Spark fears green space’
But she has serious concerns over the consultation, which she says features ‘substantial changes,’ and does not make clear how it is linked to the original one.
And she adds that the ‘bigger picture’ has not been spelt out to residents.
Namely, that the routes are part of the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund – 18,000 miles of proposed routes that make up the largest joined-up system in the country.
“It’s not just trying to improve Heaton Mersey Common,” she said.
“The cycle link is going to be part of people making longer journeys. They are going to encourage people to go through the common and on to the Transpennine link down the Mersey.
“It’s not clear that it’s part of a bigger picture. The way it reads is they are trying to improve paths on the common – but it is the Heaton Cycle link that is driving them to improve paths in Heaton Mersey Common.”
She adds that further concerns include the impact on residents from the new lighting, the proposed removal of some mature trees and the proximity of the path to St John’s Primary School.
And she says that residents are also ‘shocked’ by the lack of engagement and communication from the council.
“There are quite substantial changes to the plan,” she said.
“It’s hard to decipher if it’s a new consultation or a totally different consultation that’s somehow linked with the first.”
The absence of an ecological survey in the consultation is also a source of frustration.
“As residents how can we give informed feedback without all the data,” she said.
“Everyone is shocked by how little engagement and consultation there has been. What we are asking for – predominantly – is a pause in all this, to get all the information absorbed and understand the rationale for going into the common.”
However, she believes there is space for a compromise.
One suggestion is to direct cyclists from the side of Priestnall school and on to Mersey Road – a wide, quiet road with traffic calming measures already in place. This, residents believe would protect the natural area and avoid the development of an expensive route slicing through the woods. Residents are also not totally against improving the paths for walkers – provided it is done in as sensitively as possible – but not as a shared route with cyclists.
“We are absolutely not saying ‘no’ but wish we had been in conversation earlier on. We would like to get somewhere we are all happy with, or at least somewhere in the middle,” said the resident, who is also a keen cyclist herself.”
Stockport council has responded to residents concerns.
A spokesperson said: “There is currently a consultation taking place that includes proposals to upgrade a current path in Heaton Mersey Common.
“Responses to this consultation will be considered as part of the scheme development process prior to any work taking place.
“We welcome all responses and will consider any representations made.
“Residents can have their say on the proposals by visiting our consultation pages on our website. The consultation ends on March 26, 2021.
www.stockport.gov.uk/ haveyoursay.