CONTROVERSIAL plans for an M6 expressway leave Middlewich at risk of serious flooding, say environmental campaigners.
The warning comes as the Department for Transport pledged 'to find consensus' for its planned two-lane route in each direction between Manchester and Birmingham, which is likely to run close to Middlewich.
Minister for Transport Stephen Ladyman said the DfT was to launch a further study to look into the impact and feasibility of the toll road and alternative plans such as a widening of the existing road.
Mr Ladyman said: 'Having consulted on the idea of an expressway it is clear there is no consensus. But at this stage it is only a concept and consideration is needed before a decision is made. This route needs more capacity and we are looking to make a decision on a preferred option next year.'
Cheshire CPRE vice-chairman Lillian Burns said the Environment Agency, English Heritage, the Countryside Agency and English Nature all strongly objected to the plans and claims the Government is trying to sidestep the issues the groups raised.
'In spite of massive opposition from all sides, the Government now says it's going ahead with a feasibility study,' she said. 'It's outrageous.'
Chief among her concerns are fears that residents face severe risk of flooding to their properties.
'This road could be devastating,' she said. 'Middlewich is set in a wide flood plain and major roads such as this are well known to disrupt run-off and drainage. Where do the planners think the water will go?
'If waterways aren't diverted and serious work done to counter build-up, the River Dane will flood at the northern tip of Middlewich, causing further floods right through the town.
'Following last year's consultation the DfT was forced to backtrack and admit that an expressway would have to deviate significantly from the original M6 route, crisscrossing the countryside.
'We are not alone - not counting petitions there were 9,500 responses to the DfT's consultation last summer and less than 2% were in favour.'
Police in Hampshire are trying to track down the owner of a life-size stuffed toy tiger which sparked a huge alert in response to fears it was a real animal which had escaped....
Read
CHESTER Zoo's pair of royal starlings - called William and Kate in honour of Prince William and Kate Middleton - have been renamed after keepers discovered both are male....
Read
Article
