'It should be improved, not lost to housing': the battle for Barney's Hill

ON A hill about a mile to the north of the city centre stands a miniature Mancunian version of Stonehenge.

- By DAMON WILKINSON

Sandhills park, Collyhurst and, below right, Sue Bowen

The six standing stones form the centrepiece of a small country park built on reclaimed land that was once Collyhurst quarry. 'Barney's Hill, as it's known locally, is a vital bit of green space in one of Manchester’s poorest areas.

But there are fears it could be swallowed up by developers as the biggest regeneration project in the city’s history gathers pace. Dubbed Victoria North, the near £4bn scheme will see 15,000 homes built over 155 hectares from Angel Meadow to Collyhurst.

It's estimated some 40,000 people will move into the area over the next 20 years. They will be joined by new schools, GP surgeries and a new ‘River City Park’