Walkers are set to hike across Carrington Moss tomorrow (Saturday) to raise awareness of the endangered species living there that are threatened by plans to build a relief road through the area.
Campaign group Friends of Carrington Moss are hosting the group walk meeting at Dainewell Park for 10am tomorrow (Saturday November 6) and have even written songs to celebrate the Moss as well as the animals, birds and amphibians that call it home.
Earlier this month, Trafford council’s executive approved a preferred route for the controversial Carrington relief road – which is set to traverse the Moss.
But the area is home to a number of endangered species, including birds, newts and mammals and is a valuable carbon sink, featuring peat bogs.
In October, a total of 1,632 people signed a petition saying they felt ‘voiceless’ over the matter and calling for the relief road to avoid Carrington Moss.
A spokesperson for Friends of Carrington Moss, said: “The greatest challenge facing humanity is climate change and we have to tackle it now, today – not next week, or next year, but right now.
“Every decision being made by those who purport to act on our behalf must have the climate emergency at heart to ensure we can counter the catastrophic effects that are becoming so frequently reported – wildfires, floods, biodiversity loss – to name but three.
“Yet, it is clear from the decisions being taken across GM, and here in Trafford, that the impact of climate change on future generations is not the priority and it seems that unnecessary accelerated economic growth takes precedence over the health and well-being of existing residents.
“Please come and join us in this unique opportunity to stand with millions of other people from around the world, to focus on the impact of these decisions at a local level. It’s your chance to give nature a voice.”
Coun James Wright, executive member for housing, defended the council’s decision for its preferred route for the relief road at an executive meeting in October.
At the time, he said environmental surveys of the planned route would be conducted in full as part of the planning applications process.
Coun Wright added: “It’s important that we have a full and open debate about the issues that affect our borough. I’m afraid I fundamentally disagree with this petition. The council is not promoting transport improvements that include a new road without good reason.
“We want to provide people with that most fundamental of benefits – a home of their own and the prosperity and opportunity that derives from full and secure employment. This is what we are trying to achieve in Carrington and Partington.”
