Response to Tameside MBC's LITS "Consultation"

22nd February 2010– for immediate release

The Save Swallow's Wood [1] campaign group today welcome the initiative that Tameside Borough Council's are taking with the Longdendale Integrated Transport Strategy [2] but raised concerns about the lack of information provided to the public and the range of options that were presented. Though six sets of options were presented – of which three included the new road proposal – no information exists on whether any of them will actually reduce congestion.

Speaking on behalf of Save Swallow’s Wood, Emma Lawrence said:
“There's no data to back this consultation up on whether the new road would reduce travel times, decrease pollution or improve safety locally. How can local people make a decision on these options when they have no information to base a choice on? Previous evidence submitted by the Highways Agency demonstrates building a new road will increase congestion and lead to more pollution, particularly along the A57 into Glossop, yet this was not put across to residents.”

Save Swallows Wood, along with Friends of the Peak District, argue that tried and tested measures to reduce congestion such as local travel plans, public transport improvements, a re-opening of the Woodhead rail line, and a Park-wide weight restriction should be the focus of the LITS strategy. The exhibition makes no mention of these last two proposals, even though they are both wildly popular locally and would also improve the economic prospects of the area.

Notes for Editors:

For more information, contact: Emma Lawrence on 0845 226 3392.

[1] Save Swallow’s Wood is a group based in Glossop and Longdendale campaigning against the A628 Mottram (and Tintwistle) bypass. For more information, visit http://www.saveswallowswood.org.uk

[2] The Longdendale Integrated Transport Strategy a transport strategy for Longdendale being developed by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council. The strategy is out for consultation until 14th May 2010. For more information, see http://www.tameside.gov.uk/lits