Ian McCartney MP

Ian McCartney MP today joined Makerfield Against Development (MAD) in handing a petition to Cllr David Molyneux – Dep Leader Wigan Council, calling for land at Stubshaw Cross to be designated as greenbelt by Wigan Council.

The land bounded by the South Lancs Industrial Estate, Bryn Rd and Bolton Rd is currently home to a mix of farmland and woodland containing ponds, hedgerows and diverse wildlife.

MAD are requesting that the area of land be designated as green belt in the Council’s Local Development Framework. MAD supporters believe the greenbelt designation will;

• Prevent further pollution of the area
• Conserve wildlife and prevent environmental destruction
• Stop traffic increases on local roads and
• Preserve the open space for future generations

The land in question was subject to a planning application for warehousing as part of proposals to extend the adjacent South Lancs Industrial Estate. Ian McCartney opposed these proposals and joined MAD in fighting the plans which failed to obtain planning permission.

Ian McCartney MP said, “It’s MAD to undermine the greenbelt!"

“I am delighted that residents have got together to protect this ‘oasis’ of land between the major industrial estate and Bolton Rd in this sensitive part of Ashton.”

“If it is to be an ‘oasis’ – the ‘oasis’ wins every time.”