WARRINGTON Council has been accused of the “willful destruction” of part of Lymm’s green corridor following work on the Trans Pennine trail which passes through the village.
Local resident Mark Gledhill says the stretch of the Trans Pennine trail between Mill Lane and Chaise Meadow in Heatley Mere, has “been transformed from a rich natural habitat into a sterile urban route,” in the so called name of improvement.
He says a picture board at Heatley Mere proclaiming the improvements highlights the destruction created by the clearance.
Mr Gledhill said: “The felling of the trees and clearing the undergrowth has removed the natural habitat for wildlife and removed the natural lungs that are slowing down global warning.
“Similar issues were highlighted in recent edition of the BBC1 One Shop, where a leafy green suburban road in Sheffield had been turned into an eyesore by the Council felling trees.”
Mr Gledhill says that prior to any further destruction ensuing, wide consultation should be undertaken with environmental issues being the main driver in the decision making.
But a council spokesperson said: “We appreciate the concerns and can reassure local residents that trees, shrubs and other vegetation are being properly managed, that the work programme is sensitive to bird nesting season and wildlife legislation, and that it will ultimately benefit trail users and support wildlife too.
“The aim is to provide a new, robust three-metre wide path to accommodate trail users. The first step is removing encroaching vegetation, creating verges and retaining only those trees which are an appropriate size, species and form for the site.
“The southern boundary will be opened up to allow the sun to reach the trail, although some amenity trees will be retained. To the north the retained trees, shrubs and hedge will protect trail users from northerly winds.
“Resurfacing will take place later in the year and disruption to users and local residents during the works will be kept to a minimum. Some inconvenience is inevitable and we appreciate trail users’ understanding.
“Anybody wanting further information can contact the rangers on 01925 443321.”
Meanwhile concerns have also been raised about other works taking place along the Trans Pennie Trail embankment at Latchford.
The council spokesperson added: “We are aware of the recent works that have been undertaken on this plot of land and are monitoring the situation very closely. Council officers paid an emergency visit to the site and are in consultation with other agencies with regards to environmental and wildlife issues.”
Felled trees on the Trans Pennine Trail at Lymm
2 Comments
This council (or rather the planners) has no regard whatsoever for wildlife or ecology – evidenced by the loss of trees across the borough and building on areas such as Omega. Planners have recently allowed the demolition of a barn which houses bats and barn owls, draining of ponds with great crested newts, destruction of a badger set, felling of trees subject to preservation orders, felling of mature woodland all in the name of progress. Pointless contacting enforcement – they have zero interest in following up anything which involves wildlife or trees, even where there were conditions.
it was SUPER overgrown and very difficult to ride down that stretch, especially if anyone else was using the trail at the same time. Did they go too far? I’m not sure, it’s definitely more usable now as a trail.