AN emerging action group is encouraging Warrington residents to get involved with an innovative green ribbons campaign to raise awareness about protecting natural spaces and safeguarding against inappropriate development.
Warrington Action Against Inappropriate Development (WAAID) is now branching out to other parts of Warrington following a successful first phase of tying green ribbons in natural, open spaces in Grappenhall, Thelwall and Wrights Green.
The green ribbons have appeared down Witherin Avenue, Lumb Brook Road onto Wrights Green, Thelwall Heys and Stockton Lane, Grappenhall.
Now its members are focusing on other areas, the latest being Peel Hall. The last open wild space in North Warrington is now earmarked for a major housing development, ending a residents’ battle spanning more than 30 years. The group chose to ribbon the area last week to help raise dampened spirits and now intend to ribbon other parts of North Warrington.
WAAID spokesperson Helen Middleton said: “We started our green ribboning several weeks ago and the response has been encouraging. We want everyone to recognise these ribbons as a positive sign that we are working together to protect our green spaces as much as possible. We went over to the Peel site and met with campaigner Ste Dodd who gave us a guided tour.
“We managed to tie our ribbons in many locations. Now we aim to travel to other sites under threat and to spread the word – we want the town to unite”.
A petition has also been set up to protect the town’s green belt and residents are being encouraged to add a green ribbon to their favourite havens across Warrington and the surrounding areas which have been earmarked for development. The wider public will then be able to see the extent of the land earmarked for the Local Plan in time for the hearings in September. The ribbons are to be removed after the hearings have ended.
Under threat – Wrights Green at Appleton
Members of the group are also concerned about the numbers of logistic hubs and warehousing across the town. Despite strongly objecting, their concerns have been ignored. The town’s infrastructure is already struggling with the backlogs of traffic at peak times and the previous air quality action plan for the town highlighted eighteen action points for improvements which have still not been addressed.
They say land such as Peel Hall, Thelwall Heys and Wrights Green should be valued by what it brings to the local community. This has been apparent during lockdowns where residents have benefited from nature on their doorstep.
Under threat – Thelwall Heys
“Remember once it has gone, it has gone forever!”
a frozen lake at Peel Hall – Picture Ste Dodd
•Park at The Plough pub, Houghton Green
•Opposite you will see Radley Lane where you will walk down and go straight ahead at the fork.
•You will come to Peel Hall Kennels at the brook which is at the far end of an unadopted road; the footpath signs will guide you to the trail on your left.
•You can almost walk all of Peel Hall’s perimeter.
•Parish Woods, John Parr Wildlife Meadow and The Radley Plantation are also worth exploring!
Warrington Action Against Inappropriate Development can be found on Facebook and also have a webpage www.protectourgreenbelt.com
The group are always looking for people to get involved, so even if you can spare an hour a month, please consider joining them.
Photos courtesy of Ste Dodd – Peel Hall photographer, guide and campaigner and members of Warrington Action Against Inappropriate Development for the recent ‘Save Our Havens Campaign.
