MP Asks Cheshire East Council To Save Trees

Ahead of their public meeting to raise further awareness about the Poynton Pool spillway proposals, local MP, David Rutley met with the Friends of Poynton Pool to discuss Cheshire East Council’s decision to consider submitting the proposals to planning.

The active group, like many local residents, are concerned about the impact these plans will have on the local community and the large numbers of trees at risk of removal.

Since the proposals were first announced, the Friends of Poynton Pool and local residents have made their strong opposition clear. Their concerns include: the proposed removal of 35 trees with many more at risk; the basis of the latest flood resilience plans - which the group does not believe have sufficient focus on the need to safeguard this important community asset; and the resulting impacts on both the environment and the local community.

During the meeting, the campaign group provided David key updates on work they have been doing to help better inform Cheshire East Council and develop improved plans. David made it clear that following a previous meeting with the group in April, he had written to the Chair of the Environment Agency to raise a number of issues in relation to the proposals, and within their reply, the Agency determined it is Cheshire East Council’s responsibility for considering the potential removal of the trees to make room for the spillway.

With a number of important outstanding points which need addressing before the proposals should be submitted to planning, David has written to Dr Lorraine O’Donnell, Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council, again to follow up on these issues and urge the Council to do what it takes to save more trees at Poynton Pool.

Speaking after the meeting David said “The proposals for Poynton Pool are an important issue in the local community and following the reply from the Environment Agency, it is clear the final decision to remove several trees rests with Cheshire East Council. It is vital that the Council actively listens to and consults with the community, and finds more environmentally friendly solutions to save many more tress at this much-loved community asset.”

Pictured - David Rutley and Friends of Poynton Pool.