Snuff The Wind - Why the closure is opposed by local people.

Tue, 10 Mar 2020

After decades of use by motorcross riders and organisations such as the Scouts, a piece of waste land at the old Cross Vein Mine has been closed off to the public.

The old mine, known locally as Snuff the Wind, has been a place where local people have learned to ride motorcycles and practiced their sport for decades.

Children as young as two years old have been taught by their family and mentors, how to ride a bike and enjoy the thrills of the petrol engine. Some have gone on to great things such as local man and 4 times World Enduro Champion David Knight – who himself rode the area many times.

In the 1980’s the Scout movement held regular events around the area with the Mine Buildings forming the central base to what they called The Wide Game. The Scouts would take part in this military style game, crawling through the heathland and across the gravel to reach the ‘base’.

There has been outrage at the DEFA Minister Geoffrey Boot (MHK Glenfaba and Peel) who ordered the closure without any notice to the public, citing toxic substances. Boot told the local media that this material had made its way to Peel harbour.

Local people have challenged the Minister and questioned the advice he had received. A facebook group has been established to oppose the decision.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/607192200135363/?ref=nf_target&fref=nf

Last Sunday a group of local riders took to the area for one last time before the closure came in to effect on Monday.

Local film maker Dario Leonetti from Bloom Creative has made this short film, speaking to people to find out why this baron piece of waste land holds is such a special place.

VIDEO LINK IS ALSO HERE

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Videos

• Snuff The Wind - Dario Leonetti