Swamped!

Yes the 850 or so properties in the Slattocks/Stakehill/Chesham Area are set to be engulfed by 900 new homes and a further 250,000 sq metres of industrial units.

With roads already clogged at peak times and motorway closures causing overnight noise and pollution, this extra development is likely to cause havoc.

Planners say they’ve thought about it and know their solutions will work. We don’t think they really have.

Whilst the move to non-polluting electric vehicles is said to inevitable that doesn’t lessen number of vehicles on the roads.

Yes, a number of people can and will walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.

But, some people rely on their cars, other use taxis as a matter of course.

“Public transport needs to be much more convenient and much, much cheaper than it is and I can’t that happening very soon” said Ian, a local resident.

Ian added “After an evening shift, they’re thinking I’ll walk or cycle back up from Middleton. I’m cream-crackered. There’s no public transport at that time,  I need my car.”

“Yes, I love my exercise but how long would take me on the bus? I can’t walk over the lanes to a ‘Latics game – and walk back to Slattocks? That goes beyond dedication” said John, a season ticket holder.