Outrage as sewage damage stops woodland planting

Sewage damage to a field in Romiley has stopped plans to plant new woodland in their tracks after surveys showed the pollution could be too toxic for the trees.

Local councillors had intended to create a new green space to improve the environment and create wildlife habitats. However, sewage damage from over 40 days’ worth of overflows last year meant that left the area damaged and in need of remediation before any works can be considered.

Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hazel Grove, said: “This is a devastating blow for the local community in Stockport. The council was working hard to deliver a new woodland for local people and wildlife to enjoy, however this environmental scandal has cancelled the project.

“United Utilities owe local people an apology. Their destruction of our environment cannot go on any longer. We already knew our local rivers were being pumped full of sewage, but now it is our green land.

“I want a minister to visit this field and see first-hand the destruction caused. Rather than a new woodland, we are left with an open sewer.”

Together with Bredbury Green and Romiley councillor Mark Roberts – a passionate campaigner against damage caused by water companies dumping sewage – she has written to ministers asking them to come and see the damage caused to the field.