The Torrs Riverside Park is a unique and distinctive asset for New Mills. Great care should be taken not to risk anything that damages this special area, which distinguishes our town from all others.

Yet it is proposed to put huge industrial machinery at a key spot that is central to the Torrs - at the heart of what makes New Mills attractive to locals and visitors.

The Asset >>

At the upper weir in the Torrs, a beautiful scenic picnic area has views across the arcing waterfall where the rivers join. This is set against a backdrop of the sandstone gorge and towering arches of the bridges.

People often stop to photograph the scene and to descend into the old wheel trough alongside the expanse of weir.  Here they get an unparalleled eye-level experience of the thundering torrent of water – an awesome encounter particularly attractive to children.

The Loss >>

This close direct access to the waterfall will be lost forever with current plans to place industrial plant alongside the weir (23x3.5m).  A huge sluice gate will suck the water away, depleting the waterfall so that it loses its drama. 

Above ground a large metal screw will rise from a mesh covered pit.  The pinnacle of the industrial development will be a blockhouse – ruining the view from the picnic area across the weir.

The supposed purpose of the scheme is to combat climate change.  Yet it will only offset carbon emissions in New Mills by about 0.1% (1/1000th).  This is merely equivalent to the carbon from just 6 households.

The Failure >>

There has been no independent unbiased consultation to see if the community and actual users of the Torrs want this development.  Nor has there been any independent assessment of the impact on the environment and loss of amenity. 

No alternative sites along the river have been researched.  Nor has any broader strategic plan been formed for reducing carbon, which could show the scheme to be completely unnecessary.

The Alternative >>

There have to be alternative local sites at which to generate renewable energy by water power. If there are not, then the Torrs hydro scheme is a one off, and by itself will make an insignificant impact on carbon emissions.

If we can identify alternative sites for water power, then these may well be the place to start, rather than in a beauty spot at the heart of the Torrs park and central to this unique New Mills attraction.

Three alternatives are suggested here. Doubtless a little research would reveal others.