9:00am Thursday 2nd September 2010
By Brian Gomm
BUSWAY bosses want to reassure nature lovers that their pet project won't endanger wildlife.
In recent weeks Journal readers have voiced their concerns and highlighted fears that the Leigh-Manchester Busway scheme would spell disaster for local flora and fauna.
But Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive bus and rail director Michael Renshaw has promised the busway, following the line of the former Leigh-Tyldesley-Manchester railway route from Leigh to Ellenbrook then will be directed along the East Lancashire Road, will be environmentally friendly.
In a statement to the Journal Mr Renshaw said: "I would like to reassure readers that GMPTE takes its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously, and the Leigh-Salford-Manchester Busway will be built and operated in a manner which respects wildlife habitats and protected species.
"From the outset of the project, GMPTE has made environmental considerations a priority. All trees, habitats and species have been surveyed, and any potential effect on them documented.
"As with all such projects, an independent inspector examined our proposals to check that the scheme would not have an unacceptable environmental impact before allowing it to go ahead.
"Wherever possible, trees will be retained. In the event that trees do have to be felled, our tree replacement policy will ensure that more trees and saplings will be planted to replace them, ensuring that habitats are not lost overall. Any tree-felling will be done outside the nesting season to avoid disturbing nesting birds.
"In some cases we will actually be helping protected species. The Higher Folds area is drying out, and great crested newt numbers were reducing, but we have already created three new ponds to ensure that newt populations stay healthy far into the future.
"Once the scheme is finished, the busway corridor will be landscaped and planted to provide a linear park. It will remain a haven for wildlife as well as providing much improved paths for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
"We would like to make clear that the nearest proposed car park to the Green Lane Tree Bank will be at East Bond Street in Leigh – over 1km from Green Lane.
"Some land adjacent to Green Lane is subject to recent compulsory purchase order notices; however, this is to make provision to undertake footpath realignment and access control measures across the busway. Tree-felling will be kept to an absolute minimum.
"We received no representations in relation to bird-watching hides during the public inquiry about the proposed busway, but Les Harris (Journal letters, August 5) is welcome to contact GMPTE on 0161 886 2613 to discuss his concerns with the project team."
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