A man from Little Harwood has described the council’s decision to refuse his request to camp in Pleasington Park as “a bad day for common sense,” after he was barred from pitching a tent while preparing for a fundraising cycle ride for Gaza.
Nazir Musa had planned a charity bike ride from Blackburn to Bournemouth later this year, aiming to raise money for humanitarian aid to support civilians affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The conflict has tragically killed tens of thousands of civilians, many of them women and children, displaced around two million people, and worsened starvation due to restricted aid access.
As part of his preparations, Nazir asked permission to set up his 7ft by 3ft tent in Pleasington Park to test its suitability. However, Blackburn with Darwen Council denied the request, citing a strict ban on camping in all council parks and advising him to use an official campsite instead.
Nazir criticized the council’s response, saying, “It is a sad day for basic common sense. The services have been denied, so what am I paying council tax for?” He added that Councillor Tiger Patel had recommended seeking permission to camp in the park, while Councillor Suleman Khonat expressed confusion over the council’s rejection.
The council maintained its position, referencing a bylaw from 1982 that enforces a blanket ban on camping and caravanning across all parks and green spaces. Tony Watson, assistant director of environment and communities, explained, “We do occasionally get people who camp illegally, which can pose a number of issues for us, including a fire risk. There are, however, several local camping sites available nearby.”
Watson concluded by wishing Nazir well with his fundraising journey.
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