Development protest blocks tree surgeons

PROTEST last week at Keb Lane, Bardsley

ANOTHER peaceful protest was under way this morning as residents in Bardsley fight to save land at Keb Lane.

Protestors turned out from 7.30am to prevent tree surgeons getting close to the site and to protect a bird's nest.

About 40 residents met at Bardsley Methodist Church, in Keb Lane, on Friday night to form a plan of action.

The meeting took place as First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) moved forward with plans to build 26 houses at the site.

Determined residents blocked Treelink tree surgeons from cutting down four trees on the land near to Levington Drive for five hours on Thursday.

Over the weekend residents Linda and Gary Dutton have taken video footage of birds flying in and out of the nest.

The video of the active nest has been shown to the Wildlife Society in efforts to prevent FCHO from cutting down the tree.

Linda said: "We have been working hard all weekend to get footage of the birds to prove it's active.

"The birds are becoming timid because there has been so much disturbance. But we have seen magpies visiting the nest.

"We do not want them to take the tree down."

A decision was made to park cars near to the trees today, again to thwart tree surgeons.

James and Joan Bennett, of Hilary Avenue, sent a letter to Jim McMahon MP objecting to the trees being felled before planning permission is granted.

Resident Ian Walker, of Merlin Close, said: "These trees have been here for at least 40 years and there is no need to remove them."

He added: "We object to this development going ahead.

"It will de-value my house which backs onto the land and take away my privacy."

Residents who attended the meeting also decided to email their key concerns to Oldham Council.

Member of Bardsley Community and Playing Fields Association (BC&PFA) John Jackson (43) contacted council leader Jean Stretton after the meeting, calling on her help to resolve the issue. He said: "I am sad to say that this issue was not resolved adequately enough in the meeting to stop the felling.

"Residents strongly oppose this development but these concerns are going unheard."

Although unable to attend the meeting the chair of BC&PFA, Karl Richardson, said the development would threaten the community.

He said: "To fell these trees before any form of planning permission is granted would be ludicrous, irresponsible, inflammatory and if, as observed by local residents, proved to contain an active bird's nest, against the law."

The FCHO social housing development forms part of wider plans to build 200 properties to address the lack of affordable homes in Oldham.

FCHO postponed chopping down the trees until today to allow local representatives to discuss with residents about the agreed need for affordable housing in Oldham.