MP fears for the future of Halton greenery
HALTON MP Derek Twigg has expressed fears over the future of playing fields and greenery in Widnes and Runcorn following the publication of a major document setting out land allocations for the borough over the next two decades.
Mr Twigg, writing on his website and social media, said he has now submitted his views on Halton Borough Council’s draft Delivery And Allocations Local Plan to the consultation, which he said had been slated as ‘inaccessible’ by some constituents.
The Labour MP has urged residents to read the document to express their own views on the proposals, which could affect Halton constituency areas of Widnes, west Runcorn and Hale.
His comments included concerns over the loss of Green Belt in Halebank and north Widnes including on Derby Road, as he warned that ‘urban sprawl’ will bring Halton’s border closer to Knowsley.
He lamented that a dense urban area such as Halton ‘can ill afford’ to lose its Green Belt and the amenity for running, cycling and walking outdoors and in the countryside as he cited physical and mental health and also wildlife and nature as key factors underpinning the need for greenery contrasted against the risk of worsened congestion and loss of ‘crucial biodiversity’.
Mr Twigg also made an offer to work with the council to make representations to the Government for grants to clean up previously developed and now derelict land to prioritise it for building works instead of destroying green space, which he said could not be justified without a ‘clear benefit’ to residents – a stance he said was supported by constituents.
On other specific issues he backed calls for Ditton Station to be re-opened to complement the relaunch of the Halton Curve rail line connecting North Wales and Liverpool ● via Halton, which he said he had long campaigned for, adding that he had regularly been contacted by constituents over Ditton Station.
Elsewhere in his public statement, Mr Twigg expressed support for trying boost investment in Runcorn town centre and boosting footfall via projects such as the Unlock Runcorn canal project and the Silver Jubilee Bridge renovations, remarking that he has ‘had many complaints over the years from my constituents in Runcorn about the steady decline of shopping facilities in the Old Town’.
Aside from specific areas of focus, Mr Twigg’s main focus of his comments dealt with the potential loss of greenery, whether de s i g n a t e d Green Belt or general green space.
He said: “I do not support the loss of any green space in my constituency unless there is a clear benefit to the local community and the local community are in support and agreement.
“I do not support the loss of any playing field, again, these are vitally important to the health and wellbeing of my constituents.
“I am concerned that in the technical supporting documents some playing fields have a comment that should they cease to be used as playing fields they could be developed. Some are in private ownership.
“The council should ensure all playing fields are protected.
“I fully support the proposal to maintain the land currently occupied by Widnes Golf Club as designated green space. If this was ever developed it would change the character of the whole area, impact on bio-diversity and result in significant additional strain on the local road network.
“In addition, it would increase pressure on school places, making it even more difficult for children who live on the existing estates to find a place at Wade Deacon and potentially other nearby schools.”
Public consultation until February 15 is open