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Bypass CPOs alert

Tom Rowley
14/ 2/2007

CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the Mottram-Tintwistle bypass say they will keep up the pressure in the wake of the publication of compulsory purchase orders along the proposed route.

The orders were published last week, months before a public inquiry which is expected to start as early as May.

Emma Lawrence, of the Save Sallows Wood campaign - the beautyspot will have a bridge built across it if the scheme is approved - said: "The Highways Agency published a lot of CPOs in January last year. It is a statutory procedure to give people who object to having their property compulsorily purchased - their house knocked down or their farm cut in half - the potential to challenge things.

"But this could then make the public inquiry all about the compulsory purchase orders, so I think that's why they want to speed things along."

She added: "At this stage we are not planning any direct action. We want people to get in touch with their objections to the line orders so we can make representations to the Highways Agency at the public inquiry."

The agency has also published revised proposals for more traffic light controlled junctions and safety measures along the A628 and A616. These include speed limits cut from 60mph to 40 and 50mph, anti-skid surfacing at key locations, revised road signs and white lining and electronic driver information signs.

Highways Agency project leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: "We have looked closely at the issues raised and have prepared revised proposals which will reduce the increase in traffic through the Peak District National Park while at the same time removing traffic and HGVs from roads in the villages.

"We will also be implementing measures along the A628 and A616 aimed at improving safety along the route."

Bypass supporters claim that under revised plans, traffic on the A628 at Crowden is forecast to increase 34 per cent, compared with 84 per cent in the original plans.

The revised proposals can be viewed in Tameside at the Ashton council offices, Mottram Library on Broadbottom Road and Hollingworth Clinic on Market Street.

They can also be seen at the Municipal Buildings in Glossop and Hadfield Library.

Comments should be sent to the Highways Agency, Room 710, City Tower, Manchester M1 4BE by 30 March.

The Save Swallows Wood campaign can be contacted on 0845 226 3392.