Wigan residents determined to fight green belt plan

Campaigners have rallied together to fight plans for a huge industrial development which they have said will infringe on green belt land.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Resident Danny Fletcher formed the Keep Ashton Green (KAG) group after first learning of a proposed expansion of South Lancashire Industrial Estate.

Developer Glenbrook will bring forward plans to develop over 40 acres which has been allocated for employment use in the council 2006 Unitary Development Plan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The development, Meridan 6, will predominantly include industrial units and a link road to the A58 Bolton Road. The link road is expected to be developed within Greenbelt.

Danny Fletcher and son Harvey, 12, pictured on green belt land off Bolton Road, Stubshaw CrossDanny Fletcher and son Harvey, 12, pictured on green belt land off Bolton Road, Stubshaw Cross
Danny Fletcher and son Harvey, 12, pictured on green belt land off Bolton Road, Stubshaw Cross

Preliminary consultation were had with residents concerning the expansion of the site, known to locals as Three Sisters Industrial Estate.

The official proposal and public consultation is expected later this month,

Mr Fletcher, Ashton Labour candidate in the May local elections, said the group will fight any proposals that involve taking the area’s green belt.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “We cannot allow these developers to take more of our local greenbelt and greenspace, only to be replaced by more and more warehouses.

“The Keep Ashton Green (KAG) group will fight any proposal that suggests taking an inch more of our already dwindling greenbelt.”

He said that Ashton was already surrounded by warehouse development, Flordina Farm in Haydock and the proposed Junction 25 development in Winstanley.

Similar proposals to expand Three Sisters in 2006/2007 failed due to concerns over traffic and extreme congestion, he said:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “The only thing that has change over 14 years is Ashton has become busier. We have previous campaigners from Makerfield Against Development (MAD) helping in this expected fight.”

“We have assembled a truly fantastic team of Ashton locals with legal and planning experience, and have resources to mount a justified challenge.”

David Brown, who was involved in Makerfield Against Development (MAD), raised concerns about traffic, loss of green space and extra HGVs.

He said: “MAD campaigners back in 2006 proved that this development could be the tipping point of Ashton’s traffic capacity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In the current climate of reducing carbon emissions we need to be forward thinking and avoid concreting over precious greenspaces.

“We need less HGV’s thundering through Ashton town centre, not more.”

Adam Arstall, manager at Stubshaw Cross Club, added: “We are worried about local greenbelt and wildlife, such as the family of deer often seen from Stubshaw Club.

“The scenery is what our visitors enjoy when dining or visiting our club, not to mention the public walking trails that have existed for years.”

Residents can join Keep Ashton Green on Facebook for more information on the plans.

Related topics: