New cycle path plans of losing ‘last unspoilt
RESIDENTS fear they could lose their ‘last unspoilt green space’ after revamped plans for a new cycling and walk path were unveiled.
They say proposals for paved routes across Heaton Mersey Common would alter the ‘natural’ feel of the area – and also have concerns over lighting, safety and anti-social behaviour.
It comes after Stockport council launched a fresh public consultation on an ‘upgrade’ to the Heatons Cycle Link – intended to create a series of quiet routes between the Fallowfield Loop and the Transpennine Trail at Heaton Mersey.
People had previously been asked for their views on a ‘package of measures’ back in 2019, including the surfacing and lighting of paths at the common and near Priestnall School.
Now the town hall is inviting the public to have its say on updated plans – and are proposing ‘an additional, east-west route across Heaton Mersey Common.’
The proposed routes would connect Kingsleigh Road, New Beech Road, Priestnall Road and Burnage Lane – and adjacent roads – with hard surfacing, heritage lighting and seating.
But many in the area do not feel they have been properly consulted on either occasion ahead of proposals being worked up.
Diane Connell lives next to the common and is a cyclist and walker herself.
While a supporter of improving walking and cycling infrastructure in general, she does not agree he proposals for Heaton Mersey Common are ‘appropriate.’
“It’s a dedicated nature reserve and a green open space,” said Diane, who also has concerns over the impact on Priestnall Hey.
The town hall says there was ‘strong support’ for the scheme after the first consultation – but Diane says residents were ‘appalled’ when proposals for a route through the common came to light.
And she is even more perturbed by the ‘enlarged’ plan now being consulted on, particularly as it also includes Priestnall Hey – ‘a green space corridor especially popular with dog walkers.’
While she agrees with upgrading footpaths to make the area more accessible for everyone, she believes creating a shared path for cyclists, walkers and other users would be ‘a disaster for all concerned.’
“We believe it would totally destroy the whole feel of the nature reserve and the Priestnall Hey site. They are both destination sites, not corridors for people passing through,” she said.
“This last year has proven the value of open spaces to people’s wellbeing. The common has been a destination for people to visit and enjoy a small oasis of nature. It should not be allowed to disappear and be urbanised.”
Another resident and campaigner – who asked not to be named – described the common as ‘the last unspoilt green space in Heaton Mersey.’
“People’s opinions are ‘it’s a woodland, let it be a woodland’ – like Styal Forest or Fletcher Moss in Didsbury.
“They are exactly that – untouched, muddy and natural – they are loved for what they are. That is what people go there for.”
She said the common was known for its rich wildlife, including parakeets, woodpeckers and herons.
“It’s really lovely and people love going there because it’s unspoilt.”