“Walk the Walk” – to help save the green acres

RESIDENTS of South Warrington are being urged to put their walking shoes on – to help save hundreds of acres of “green” land.
Campaign group Sustainable South Warrington is planning a high profile demonstration next month with two aims – to alert residents to the threat and to let the borough council know the strength of feeling among local people.
The demonstration will take the form of a short, circular walk, taking in part of the green land the council is considering building on.
It will take place on Sunday, September 9, starting at 2pm from the Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden.
Sustainable South Warrington was set up last year to oppose development plans for Grappenhall Heys, Appleton Cross and Pewterspear Green.
Spokesperson Cllr Judith Wheeler said: “Sadly the planning applications were passed but not until after a great fight.
“But then the bombshell hit – 24,000 new houses in Warrington with a concentration of 9,000 in South Warrington, proposed as part of the Preferred Development Option of the council’s new Local Development Plan.
“The council consultation brought in thousands of angry objections from South Warrington residents horrified at the proposed loss of green space, increased traffic and pressure on local services.
“The next stage of the Local Development Plan is just a few months away so we want residents to be ready to engage with whatever Warrington Borough Council proposes.
“We’ve had the talk – let’s do the walk!”
The walk will enable people to see for themselves the green spaces that will disappear if the borough council’s proposals under the Local Development Plan go ahead.
Cllr Wheeler added: “Sustainable South Warrington is back – but then we never went away.
“We are inviting everyone who cares about the area to join us on the walk which will take in many of the areas that Warrington Borough Council is planning to put under concrete – so please turn up to show your support.”
For further details contact Gerry Palmer (07882 011034) or Judith Wheeler (01925 265784)