CMS offers assistance to Community Group to take owenership of Cumbrian Mountain
A social media campaign has started to buy a Cumbrian mountain valued at £1.75 million for the public to enjoy.
Blencathra, near Keswick, has been put up for sale by its owner the Earl of Lonsdale, but now efforts are in motion for Cumbrians to raise the money and buy the mountain themselves. A social media movement has sprung up with a facebook group supporting the move now boasting more than 600 members. The group has also been contacted by BBC Radio 2 to make an appearance.
Debbie Cosgrove, a project manager for Allerdale Borough Council who is a key member of the group, told In-Cumbria: “It’s been in private hands for over four hundred years and it made no difference. People are thinking this is a real opportunity we have. People hear about the big society. This is the big society in essence.”
“This isn’t about any one person. There are lots of views on how we can do it, but the message is we’d all like it to be owned by the public and not just one individual.”
Ms Cosgrove has contacted several conservation groups regarding the purchase and preservation of Blencathra. Whether or not the campaign is successful, it would be the first time a mountain has been bought and sold.
“We know of people who have bought a hill in the past, but this is the first time a hill has come up for sale. We believe people could get incredibly excited about this,” said Ms Cosgrove.
“If people do want to find out more they can come and join our facebook group.”
The campaign has a Facebook group, Friends of Blencathra, and a twitter account, @helpbelncathra.
http://www.thenews.coop/85439/news/community/community-prepares-2m-bid-lake-district-mountain/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=community-prepares-2m-bid-lake-district-mountain#.U3S4HIFdX8q
Friends of Blencathra Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/blencathra/permalink/227043580839850/
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