THE Chair of Warrington Nature Conservation Forum has expressed his disappointment in the delay of a prestigious Swift Wildlife Site that was due to be approved last year in Latchford.
Unfortunately, due to delays in planning and/or legal, it didn’t take place despite approval from Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Greater Manchester Ecology Unit and the support of Head Ranger Angus Lord.
Warrington Nature Conservation Forum Chair Geoff Settle said: “The latest update that I have received is that nothing has been done to bring it to a successful conclusion and that there are still issues.
“Brian Martin, whose baby this is and who has done so much in the town for Wildlife conservation, has written to the leader because it is in his ward and has yet to receive an acknowledgement.
“On his Wildlife bucket list after achieving SSSI status for Woolston Eyes, is now Wildlife status for the Swift colony at Latchford. He devoted at least 40 years of his life to making the Eyes what it is today, and I mean devoted. When we showed Charlotte Nichols MP, she was so impressed not only with the Eyes but with the man, observing his enthusiasm, listening to his wildlife tales as well as seeing how he greeted visitors, stopping to engage with them, telling them about the Wildlife, especially the bird,s particularly the rare black necked grebes that they had travelled far to see. This man and his colleagues have put Warrington on the map and have Chris Packham as their patron. Brian handed over to me the chairmanship of the Warrington Nature Conservation Forum almost 20 years ago.
“We invited Sarah Hall MP to the September celebration, but had to cancel because of the very disappointing delay. We would also like to invite the Mayor, who is oneof the most proactive mayors we have ever had.
“The delays do not sit well with Cheshire and Warrington’s Nature Recovery programme that you announced last year.
Geoff, who has written to Warrington Borough Council seeking an urgent update, added: “This site is a prime example of excellence supported and protected by Wildlife enthusiasts and would get the Nature Recovery off to an excellent start.”
