Photo-a-Day  (Friday, 25th August, 2017)

I think this will signal 'game on' for many folk who have used the place for years. The council had a few problems with the foot and mouth restrictions years ago.

Thanks Ron D.

As much as I'm reluctant to say " I told you so "....I'll admit to feeling a perverse sense of satisfaction in saying " I told you so ".

Ron, this is a load of cobblers. A right of way is a right of way.

And there it was gone ,another public place sold off by our so-called labour council. US and UM springs to mind.

This path is NOT a public right of way.

Is this not a public right of way anymore?

Well that didn't take long did it?

I thought haigh hall was OUR park!

If it is a public right of way why is the wording on the sign practically 'begging' the public to respect their guest's privacy? Using a car and a plastic contraption as obstacles!!!
It seems they are 'trying it on' !!!

Didn't this hotel group take out a lease NOT purchase the hall? As Veronica points out, why is it a 'begging' notice? What would have happened if a group/gang of people had marched up to the hall?

Tried to ring Wigan council about this a few minutes ago but not having much luck.just wondering though how much of boundaries land did the new owners buy with the hall?.

Well Garry, "follow", "muck cart", "thought", and "wedding" are the words that spring to my mind.

My son and his bride had their wedding reception here which was a "PRIVATE EVENT". There was no restriction on entry of any kind, not that they would have wished one.

Guests? Any guest should respect the local people, not the other way around.

Here is a reminder of what Wigan Council said in November 2015.
"Will public access be affected?
Contessa Hotels will positively encourage public access. Public access will actually increase as the building will be open daily. At present Haigh Hall is only open to the public when events are taking place."

Its not official so dont panic

The Council website gives a link to a Map of Public Rights of Way, and this route doesn't appear to be one:

https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Parking-Roads-Travel/Public-rights-of-way/About-public-rights-of-way.aspx

That said, it's a shame to see it blocked as the public access hasn't been a problem for previous private functions, as far as I know.

Joanne, the map, from 2006, shows two walks for keeping fit, the text describes the route/s to follow, (in green). It actually encourages people to walk round the hall to take in the views.

This is NOT and never has been a public right of way!

Definitely someone attempting to "run the show" That entrance is a public footpath and should not be closed under any circumstance.

David Wyatt you are wrong buddy, very wrong

It's not really professional is it, a road repair fence and a car to stop public right of way.

And what's more it's a pink fence to match the 'decor' in the Hall ! Sorry I couldn't resist!

Wrong Garry, its NOT a public right of way.

Garry no it's not. It's not safe either. What if an emergency vehicle needed access?

There are several other ways to get to the hall. I suspect this is to stop cars driving down there. A new tarmac entrance has been created from the Aspull entrance to Haigh Hall which I think function guests driving to the hall would be expected to use. If that is the case a metal retractable post is all that is needed. The Hall can then be accessed on this route by foot. I think Contessa Hotels are doing a cheap job on the Hall. The decor is very cheap looking and tasteless for this building, the photos on the walls as you walk in have nothing to do with the Hall or Wigan. The 'fountain' outside which looks small and cheap does not appear to have water going to it and is full of gaps. Large planters made in China have just be put in. It does not look like the windows etc have been touched. Does anyone know who in Wigan Council is in charge of the Hall as they still own it. The council should have laid down some rules as to how Contessa treat this Hall and this needs to be found it. Also everyone on here can contact their District Councillors and ask them to find out who we should contact to make sure the Hall is well looked after.

David I'm with YOU!
Phil since I've been alive it's been a public right of way.

Just walk round the fence and car to get past, it's that easy.

Or Alan.....do the limbo.

Garry, sorry mate you are wrong. I can guarantee you will find no proof this has ever been a public right if way.

I recall that a cafe was on that side of the building in the 90's - there was always crowds of people around there.

It's a public right of way, many people have strolled down there and back again for donkey's years. I use to buy ice cream from that very building, and use the public toilets.

Wrong Garry, just because you strolled down there and back doesn't make it a public right of way.

Phil what is it you know that we don't? Is there some information being kept from the good citizens of Wigan?

Bear this in mind. If many people call at your home, don't get an answer at the front door then go round to your back door then either retrace their steps or exit another way does that make it a public right of way? Could that be the situation with Haigh hall?

See what you mean Anne...

I wish Garry had an ounce of your common sense Anne.

I don't blame Garry for his views I presume the Hall was purchased for the people of Wigan with taxpayer's money and the paths around it. Those paths have been well used over the years. As someone has pointed out " Contessa will positively encourage public access".

Any members of the public are free to walk to the Hall and the grounds of Haigh Hall. It always has been and always will be. It's your country park.

You are correct Alf !! The Hall and it's grounds were left to the people of WIGAN to enjoy ...
Is it correct that WIGAN COUNCIL have leased it to CONTESSA for a period of 200 years ????

In response to 'Phil'... I'm not at all wrong.(I wonder what makes you think I am incorrect?) I work for the council and deal with matters of public and private access. That passage is open for public access and there have been no applications to withdraw such access. You can get more info at Wigan Town Hall or Wigan reference library.

If anyone wishes to put forward their views with regards to public access. There is a. Haigh parish meeting on the 11th of September. https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Council/Councillors-and-Committees/Haigh-Parish-Council/Public-Notice-for-Meeting-11th-Sept.pdf