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Issue 70 | January 2021
Covering Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Riverside & Stourton
STRIPPED BARE Mature trees chopped down to make way for motorway sound barrier
by Jeremy Morton
H
ighways England have been trumpeting their work along the M621 in Hunslet and Belle Isle to erect noise barriers, but the residents the barriers are designed to help are less than impressed. In a press release issued before Christmas the agency described the barriers as an “innovative noise and safety solution” that are “standing proud.” It went on to describe Hunslet as: “An area identified as a national hotspot by Defra in relation to noise” and said “feedback from residents meant that it was one of the first areas Highways England wanted to tackle using money from a special environment fund.” The work on the barriers was due to be completed by October 2020, but is now projected to finish in March 2021. Last summer we reported on the bright green metal ‘wall’ that appeared along Parnaby Road and the sleepless nights residents suffered during the work. That section is now to be repainted in a more subtle shade after residents, supported by their Councillors and MP complained. Now mature trees which screen Blakeney Grove by the Junction 6 slip road have been chopped down to make way for the barriers. At the original consultation residents were told the trees would stay, then they received a letter saying the trees would be removed, but would be replaced. Now Highways England say only
Workmen removing mature trees cfromn the side of the M621 motorway at Junction 6 shrubs will be planted by the “The amount of trees there for years and wildlife barrier. removed that formed a green thrived. As well as health Blakeney Grove resident barrier to the motorway is concerns this will impact on Karen Lawton told us: absolutely disgraceful. house prices.” “We feel lied to, they said the Residents are now left with a “The removal of trees at a trees wouldn’t go, then they mound of soil and a green time when carbon emissions sent a letter saying some trees sound barrier that resembles from the motor vehicle is the would go, then when we looked those used to secure building biggest threat to us and future out all the trees had gone. sites. generations surely means this “My neighbour Susan and I “This is a well sought out is unacceptable behaviour from were crying when we saw what area to live and work in so I a government body.” they were doing to the trees.” expect the situation to enhance A spokesperson for Highways “What we’re going to have to the landscape and mitigate England said: “We appreciate look at now, instead of trees, is emissions to be resolved as the importance of retaining a green horrible fence.” soon as possible. vegetation where possible and Councillor Kim Groves “There are many questions I only carry out this kind of work (Middleton Park) commented: would have asked on behalf of following detailed surveys and “I am extremely disappointed residents had I been informed guidance from our with how Highways England or contacted before the trees environmental team. have acted in Belle Isle on the were cut down. Residents had “We wrote to Blakeney Grove removal of mature trees. a green barrier that had been residents on 20 October to
inform that, to safely install the barrier, we would need to stabilise the embankment, which requires the removal of trees and the boundary fence. “We can’t complete the stabilisation work without removing the trees. Not doing this work would increase the risk of the embankment failing, posing a safety risk to drivers and residents. “New trees will be planted in place of the old ones where permitted by the new embankment design, and we will also replace the boundary fence.” In other correspondence South Leeds Life has seen Highways England officers say: “The only pollutant listed as linked to stretches of road near our network that is above standard limits is NO2. Research published on behalf of Government by the Air Quality Expert Group, indicates that vegetation does not materially affect levels of NO2 concentrations.” In their press release Highways England project manager Sujad Hussain said: “I would like to personally thank all residents and drivers for their patience and cooperation while we carry out these much needed improvements. Hopefully, the full benefit of the noise and safety barriers will be realised once these improvements are complete by spring.” We will give the last word, for now, to Karen Lawton: “If it was their back garden would it be happening? I don’t think so. If it was in north Leeds would it be happening? I don’t think so.”
In this issue:
Stars of the Co-op Christmas advert
page 3
Leeds United Star teaches Spanish page 8
Photo special: A Christmas Like No Other
pages 11-14
HC Parkside u14s Scholarships page 24
NEWS CHRISTMAS
2-10 11-14
SCHOOL LIFE 16-19
HISTORICAL
20
WHAT’S ON
21-23
SPORTING LIFE 24
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