Longdendale Bypass public enquiry, Stalybridge Civic Hall
Opponents of the Longdendale Bypass criticised plans to build a 3.5 mile across Green Belt land between Mottram-in-Longdendale.
Stated as a ‘crime against nature’ which would ‘disfigure’ one of the UK’s greatest green oases, it was claimed at the public enquiry, on the 12th July 2007, that it would exacerbate congestion. With groups making their case for, as well as against the proposals, the solution was deemed ‘an old fashioned way which would make things worse’ by a campaigner against the plans. On the other hand, a member of the Longdendale Siege Committee (who favour the proposals) stated that the relief road was needed due to current traffic levels.
Planned since the 1970s though shelved, the scheme was resurrected in 1989. For further information on the project, check out the ‘Save Swallows Wood’ website link below.
Postscript: I am an opponent of the bypass, and would, like the above group, prefer to see weight restrictions on the Woodhead Pass and the reopening of the Woodhead line to Sheffield.
S.V, 13/07/2007
* ‘Crime of the Century’, Supertramp (1974)
