 Press Release - 5 May 2006 |
PRESS RELEASE FOR EVENT ON SUNDAY 28 MAY 2006
CYCLE RIDES TO HIGHLIGHT AIRPORT EXPANSION THREAT
Registration has now opened for a series of five circular cycle rides
including two especially designed for families starting from the Takeley
Sports Centre on Sunday 28 May 2006 under the auspices of Stop Stansted
Expansion (SSE).
The rides are designed to reinforce the scale of the threat to the immediate
community as well as the wider region from the proposed expansion of
Stansted Airport. Airport developer BAA is currently applying for a removal
of any limits of passengers on the existing runway and an increase in
commercial flights which would result in almost half as many flights again
as currently experienced.
The first of the two family fun rides is nine miles long and takes place
entirely off road on part of the Flitch Way which has a firm base and a hard
surface built on the bed of the discmantled railway that once ran from
Bishop's Stortford to Dunmow and then onto Braintree. The route also forms
the Northern boundary of Hatfield Forest, running directly through
countryside with lovely wooded areas, rich wildlife and views over open
farmland.
The second family ride, 23 miles long, is styled the Broxted Challenge and
takes in quintessential English countryside and winding lanes which open to
vistas across the gently rolling Essex countryside. Principal villages on
the route include Takeley, Bambers Green, Molehill Green, Brick End Broxted,
Great Easton, Henham, Elsenham, Fullers End.
Three longer rides are also available for hardier cyclists and will take
place under the title of the Tye Green (Audax) Challenge Rides. These
feature The Great Easton Challenge (40 miles), The Molehill Green Challenge
(65 miles) and The Tye Green Challenge (101 miles).
The rides have been organized by SSE member William Chastell following his
successful Tye Green Challenge rides in aid of the campaign last year to
highlight the threat to the enjoyment of the countryside from the proposed
expansion of Stansted Airport.
“North West Essex is a much loved area for seasoned cyclists and occasional
riders alike largely because of its tranquility and landscape,” says
Broxbourne-based William. “However, the continued enjoyment of a wider area
is now jeopardized by the plans to expand the capacity of the airport both
on the current runway and with the proposed second runway.”
“This beautiful, typically rural English countryside is too good to lose or
be spoilt in the way that is being proposed and we're calling on riders
everywhere for their support for this special series of rides,” he
concluded.
Application forms are available on request from the Stop Stansted Expansion
Campaign Office on 01279 870558 or info@stopstanstedexpansion.com or can be
downloaded from the campaign website at Coming Events.
The fee for riders is £4 per adult (or £6 if paid on the day of the rides
rather than in advance) and £1 for children under 14. Riders are invited to
collect sponsorship (optional) in aid of Stop Stansted Expansion to
contribute to the fighting fund.
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS
A photocall notice will be sent out shortly before the event but if, in the
meantime, you would like to take photographs of William Chastell with his
bike and SSE branding, with or without others who will be involved with the
event, please advise Carol Barbone who will organise this for you.
Further Information:
William Chastell T 01992 444073 or M 07835 711154
Carol Barbone, Campaign Director, Stop Stansted Expansion M 0777 552 3091 or cbarbone@mxc.co.uk
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