Terry Waite to lead ‘Horseshoes Hike’ for SSE

Terry Waite is to lead a seven mile sponsored walk for Stop Stansted Expansion on Sunday 28 September.  Called the Horseshoes Hike, the autumn ramble is designed to send a clear message to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling that concreting over dozens of footpaths, ancient lanes, historic countryside and listed buildings to create the world’s largest airport at Stansted is totally unacceptable.

Thousands are expected to take part in the walk across countryside that would be covered in concrete or severely blighted by noise and new roads resulting from expansion.  The destination will be Molehill Green where a short rally will be held with local MPs and campaigners and, of course, Terry Waite.  The event coincides with the first day of the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth where transport issues will be high on the agenda in both formal debate and fringe meetings.

Stop Stansted Expansion believes that a good turnout at the Horseshoes Hike will send a powerful signal to the politicians that the people of Hertfordshire, Essex, South Cambridge and Suffolk remain strongly opposed to the addition of even one extra runway at Stansted.  Many of those taking part will have joined the highly successful Runway Ramble exactly a year ago which attracted the attention of much of the south east through the media exposure it achieved, highlighting the damage that expansion would cause.

This year’s walk, designed by Broxted’s very own expert rambler Stuart Walker and supported by Uttlesford District Council, will begin at the Three Horsehoes pub in Duton Hill at 11am.  It takes in four staging points at varying intervals along the way through Great Easton, Little Easton and Broxted before ending at the Molehill Green Three Horseshoes pub some seven miles away.  A short rally will be held there at 3pm and a barbecue and refreshments will be served.

Participants are invited to obtain sponsorship for the walk in aid of the continuing campaign against expansion, based on passing through as many of the staging points as they wish.  A trail quiz is planned to help younger walkers to keep their senses alert on route.  Two stages are suitable for wheelchair and pushchair access.  A limited shuttle bus service will also be organised for those needing transport to and from main parking points and staging posts.

Said campaign director Carol Barbone:  “This promises to be a tremendous event which combines a great day out enjoying the beauty of this region with a real sense of purpose and determination in opposing expansion plans.  By walking on the 28th September, people will be demonstrating their commitment to protecting the heritage and quality of life that rightfully belongs to future generations not to the aviation industry.”

Full details of the walk which should take up to three hours for those aiming to complete the entire route (plus stopping time for refreshments), together with sponsorship forms and directions, are available from Stop Stansted Expansion on T 01279 870558, or from info@stopstanstedexpansion.com or www.stopstanstedexpansion.com.

ENDS