Campaign to stop ‘eyesore bridge’ bypass extension
PROTESTERS are hoping to stop a possible £600m bypass extension that could contain a giant bridge spanning the Goyt Valley.
A feasibility study published earlier this year looks at taking the A6 SEMMS relief road from Hazel Grove through the Goyt and Poise Brook valleys to the M60 at Bredbury.
Members of Goyt Valley SOS group say one idea in the study is a 500metre bridge to carry traffic that would be comparable in scale to Stockport Viaduct.
They are vehemently against this and any extension of the dual carriageway, saying it would destroy a huge area of beautiful countryside.
Graham Trickey, group secretary, said: “The main attention-grabber in the study was the high level bridge across the Goyt Valley.
“It is a shocking proposal, it would be noisy, intrusive and ugly, similar in scale to Stockport Viaduct.
“I hope more people will visit these wonderful valleys to find out how much would be destroyed if a major road was built through them.”
A business case is due to be published in the near future, which will contain more detailed traffic figures and analysis as well as costings.
The council must then decide whether this is a project it actively wants to pursue and lobby the government for funding. Estimates suggest it would cost £600m.
When becoming Stockport council’s largest party last May Labour said it would reassess the previous administration’s support for the scheme.
It has since yet to indicate what its stance is and is believed to be awaiting the business case.
Goyt Valley SOS members organised a protest walk through the area, which includes what is thought to be a pre-Roman settlement, to highlight their opposition.
They were joined by Councillor Oliver Johnstone, chair of the environment scrutiny committee.
Construction continues on the SEMMMS relief road, from Hazel Grove to Manchester Airport.
Caroline Simpson, from the council, said: “A feasibility study on the A6 to M60 relief road proposals was published and an outline strategic business case has been commissioned.
“Once this is completed a decision about whether to proceed will be made and funding would then be sought. Any future plans will be subject to a full and comprehensive consultation.”