Eco-concerns are voiced over Wigan footpath clearance

The town hall has been working with local developers to restore the borough’s walking and cycling networks, including the bridleway network in Standish.

Overgrowth and trees have been cut down in order to improve access to the pathways, but the way in which the work has been done has prompted environmental concerns to be voiced by some local residents.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: “Whilst we understand the need to enhance the bridle path, we are gravely concerned at the level of butchery being carried out, which involves not just trimming back some long established trees and hedgerow, but also cutting down some trees.

“As you will appreciate this is an era when everyone is being asked to consider the environment and plant a tree!

“Furthermore the timing is terrible as the birds are now very active in their nest building, and yet the council are directly impacting their nesting sites.”

A council spokesperson said: “As part of our ambition to improve the walking and cycling network across the borough, and following on from the success of the Standish Mineral Line scheme, we are proposing upgrade works to the bridleway network in Standish.

“As part of this we need to undertake some survey works for the section of bridleway between Cat’ith Window and Robin Hill Lane, and we have therefore undertaken some vegetation maintenance along this section, including strimming of hedgerows and some branch removal of overhanging trees.

“The bridleway will remain open during the works, and appropriate measures will be in place to ensure that both the workforce and bridleway users are kept safe during these works.

“We are also working closely alongside the council’s tree officer to ensure the works do not disturb nesting birds.”

Earlier this month, council bosses announced a pledge to plant a million trees across the borough by the end of 2020.