Back on track

It's been a while since I wrote anything in the blog, but that's just been because there's been so much going on! Back in December 2005, we had the planning application for the Glossop Spur: a 3-week consultation period, which meant mobilising as many people as possible to write in and object to the proposals. We did pretty well, but the scheme was approved all the same despite all the arguments against it. At Tameside Council we were treated like idiots and accused of lying (apparently, we made up the figures about the traffic increases). At High Peak Borough Council we were told, by a Councillor, that whatever the Highways Agency figures say, all he knew was that the traffic outside his house was worse than it used to be. I really hope that guy doesn't get to make any decisions about nuclear power, or we are all going to die.

Anyway, we've since been through the mill over the bypass proposals, for which the consultation period ended on May 5th. We're still sending letters in, much to the Highways Agency's dismay. They could really do without the extra work, but tough.. if they want to carve up our valley they can work for it!

The really bad news is the result of the M74 appeal. This is a disaster for ever road campaigner in the country. At the PI, there's every possiblity the Inspector will recommend against the road being built, but what does that matter if the Secretary of State can overturn the decision? Well, it matters not alot, so perhaps it will set a precedent where Inspectors can at least make a non-political decision, because their views are - ultimately - as meaningless as ours. Welcome to B.liar's Britain.