Protesters block road in bid to save trees
PROTESTERS blocked a Southport road in the fight to save nearby woodland from the axe.
George Drive, in Ainsdale, was obstructed by cars, wheelie bins and cones on Monday to stop workmen from accessing the site.
A housing development is planned for 18 homes in the area, at the expense of 45 healthy trees which need to be cut down to make way for the new buildings.
Eddie Thompson, who lives nearby, said: “We were only told Saturday morning by letter that this was happening.
“We’ve not been able to get in touch with anyone to seek advice.” He added that the RSPB had warned that trees could not be taken down in the area during the summer period, which lasts until August.
Eddie also said locals had been threatened with police action by workmen trying to access the site.
He said: “It’s a peaceful protest. They’re not doing anything, not threatening anybody. No-one has broken the law, they’re just making things a bit inconvenient.”
Another local resident, Margaret Pierce, said: “This woodland is home to pipistrelle bats, water voles, hedgehogs, and birds, to name a few, all of whom are currently breeding or nurturing.
“We held a peaceful demo on Monday when the contractors tried to erect fences and managed to get the police to halt work because we had evidence of fledglings.
“We have to get this work stopped before all these animals and birds are harmed.”
Cllr Lynne Thompson tried to arrange meetings between residents and One Vision Housing, the organisation behind the development, to see if a solution could be reached.
She said: “Everyone wants houses built. Noone’s got an issue with that - but they need to be appropriate houses and they need to be in the right places.
“It backs on to the last bit of green space that George Drive has.
“We tried to work with them to look at the development to see if more of the trees could be kept.
“The planning officer’s report was quite damning.”
A spokesperson from One Vision said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to provide high quality and affordable homes, in line with the local authority housing strategy, One Vision Housing will build 18 homes for affordable rent in George Drive, Ainsdale.”
RESIDENTS are inviting people to a public meeting about the situation, at St John’s Church Hall, Liverpool Road, Ainsdale, tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm. All welcome.