Opposition to bypass should cause a rethink, say National Park campaigners

2 April 2007

Friends of the Peak District (1), the Council for National Parks (2), Save Swallow’s Wood (3) and Alternative Proposals for Transport (4) today (30 March) reiterated their objection to the proposed Mottram-Tintwistle bypass (2) because of the damage that this would cause to the Peak District National Park, including from increased traffic flows as traffic diverts from the M62 onto the A628 as a result of the bypass. 

The coalition welcomed decisions by Natural England and the Peak District National Park Authority to renew their objections to the scheme, and is calling on the Secretary of State to cancel a public inquiry planned for the summer and instead to implement much needed safety and restraint measures along the route as a matter of urgency.

"The statutory clout behind the objections from Natural England, which is the government's adviser on countryside matters, and from the National Park Authority should make the government think again on this damaging road scheme," explains Anne Robinson, Chair of FPD. "Many organisations are now calling for the immediate implementation of relief measures and a reduction in the level of traffic using the A628 through the National Park.  This should be given serious attention by the government, especially when the cost of building the bypass has more than doubled since it first entered the government's road building programme.”

"National Parks are our most highly protected landscapes.  The proposed bypass would damage the landscape, wildlife and enjoyment of the Peak District National Park," added Ruth Chambers, Acting Chief Executive of CNP. "There is growing alliance of organisations, both statutory and voluntary, which are willing to argue the case against the bypass.  The government should cancel the public inquiry and work with us to find a solution which helps reduce the blight of traffic in the villages and which protects the National Park."

Notes to Editors

            (1)        Friends of the Peak District (FPD) is the National Park Society campaigning for a living, working countryside that changes with the times but remains beautiful forever. For further information contact Steph Woodhouse, Communications Officer on tel: 0114 266 5822.

            2)         The Council for National Parks is the national charity, which works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales and areas that merit National Park status.  CNP promotes understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.  Contact Ruth Chambers, Acting Chief Executive on tel: 020 7924 4077 ext 222.

            (3)        Save Swallow’s Wood provides a forum those who feel strongly about the conservation of Longdendale to ensure their voices are heard by decision makers, both locally and nationally.

            (4)        Alternative Proposals for Transport campaigns for sustainable solutions to the transport problems of Longdendale and Glossopdale.

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222