Residents have been turned away from a new attraction offering breathtaking views across the borough after footage was switched off due to a planning hitch. 

Generous resident Trevor Davies' £6,000 self-funded community project was temporarily shut down less than 24 hours after it opened, leaving residents and tourists disappointed.

Trevor, a semi-retired businessman, wanted to showcase Bury's beauty by installing a zoom and a 360 camera at the top of Peel Tower.

He also hoped that by installing a display and screen in the tourist information office, more residents and tourists will visit the town centre. 

Trevor and the Lancashire Home Interiors team finished the innovative project on Tuesday so live footage from the top of Peel Tower could be viewed in Bury's tourist infomation centre on Moss Street.

Bury Times: The screen has been turned off due to a suspected complaintThe screen has been turned off due to a suspected complaint

But less than 24 hours of being open, it was temporarily shut off as no consent was given to change the fabric of Peel Tower, which is a listed building. 

On Wednesday, Cath Ashton from the tourist information centre was left confused by the decision.

She said: "We have already had to turn people away.

"We have had a message passed on from the planning department that we can't display any of the live footage.

"We are not too sure why exactly but we are hoping to find out soon and find a solution."

Bury Times: Trevor at the top of Peel Tower after fitting the flagTrevor at the top of Peel Tower after fitting the flag

 

Bury Times: The 360 camera and the zoom camera, pointed towards ManchesterThe 360 camera and the zoom camera, pointed towards Manchester

After being told about the situation at the tourist information centre that day, Trevor added: "I hadn't heard anything about this so I don't know what is going to happen now."

After some investigation, Trevor has now discovered that he didn't have permission to "change the fabric" of Peel Tower, so the project was closed while a solution was being found.

Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment at the council, said: “There has been a brief pause while we sort out the issue of listed building consent, but the cameras will be back as soon as possible so everyone can enjoy the tremendous views of the area around Peel Tower.

“Peel Tower is a truly iconic part of our landscape, and we welcome any initiative – such as Trevor’s – that enables more people to appreciate the beauty of Bury from its highest point. We’ve already seen how popular it has been with the public, and we are keen for that to continue. 

"I'd like to put on record my thanks to Trevor Davies for this fantastic initiative which will let millions of people worldwide enjoy the view from Peel Tower."

Trevor said he has been told that the attraction will be finally opened to the public on Tuesday, September 6.

Bury Times: Lancashire Home Interiors fitting the flag yesterday Lancashire Home Interiors fitting the flag yesterday

Cath said: "We hope people could come in here and just see what the view is like from the top of Peel Tower.

"We asked Trevor what the cost of it all would be and Trevor's only response was that 'Bury has been good to me and I just wanted to give back'.

"It is a lovely view going across Bury and Greater Manchester and you would have been able to see just how much it changes over the seasons.

Bury Times: The Tourist Information Team with Lancashire Home Interiors after the display was fitted yesterdayThe Tourist Information Team with Lancashire Home Interiors after the display was fitted yesterday

"We had hoped this would bring more people in, Trevor and his team had built us this lovely cabinet to keep it all in and showcase our display which is all lit up and looks amazing with the screen as the main focal point."

 

@theburytimes I hope you’re not scared of heights! Read the full story on our website! #peeltower #bury #itv #ramsbottom #history #flag #cctv #community ♬ original sound - The Bury Times

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