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Thrill-seekers flock to hill on slippery slope
Hundreds of sledgers enjoy the winter activities on a snow covered Moor Lane
AN AVALANCHE of sledgers have boosted a campaign to save an under-threat Scarborough field.
Hoards of thrill-seekers of all ages have taken to the snow-covered hill at Moor Lane Field, known affectionately as the Yorkshire bump, in recent days.
And advocates of the playing field, which has been slated as a possible site for a housing development, have said its popularity shows just how much it means to Scarborough.
Lyn Johnson, who lives in Moor Lane, said: “We must have had more than 1,000 people here in all with 200 to 300 at the top of the hill at any one time. Everybody was having fun.
“I don’t think there was a single accident or any aggravation. People from all over the area came. It was good old fashioned fun and everyone was laughing.
“Generations have sledged here. I remember my kids sledging there and they’re 22 and 26 now.
“If they get rid of the field it’s depriving people in the town of something they can do for free.”
Scarborough Council have identified the Newby site as a potential location for 48 affordable new homes.
Last summer, councillors voted in favour of selling the land, despite objections from local residents.
An action group has been set up in an attempt to block the sale and protesters have vowed to fight the decision.
Cllr Andrew Backhouse, who represents the Lindhead ward on Scarborough Council, said: “When the weather’s like it has been recently you can see it’s a well-used community asset. The field should be recognised as such.
“The borough council need to take a subjective look at it and consider the pleasure the field gives to the wider community.
“I’ve used it in the past with my family and it’s wonderful for winter activities, but then it’s wonderful in the summer as well. I will continue to object to the proposals.”
On a group set up on social networking site Facebook by pro-field campaigners, dozens of sledging pictures of people enjoying the slope have been uploaded as users shared their experiences.
Another poster wrote: “We were down there sledging today. Freezing and got covered from head to foot in snow but had a brilliant time! We need to save this field, it would be such a loss.”
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Weather for Scarborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North east
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spy
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 01:25 PMOh god don't let the Enterprise Town halfwits see this. Scarborough Ski Port. Come to North Yorkshire's no1 winter sports town.
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