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 Burgess Farm: Save our Green Spaces
by Eddie Howarth, Worsley How lovely to see the various photographs in the media of Salford covered in snow. I was particularly sad when I looked at one of Burgess Farm, Walkden. How many more photographs of farms 'IN Salford' will we see in the future if the Labour led City Council get there way? For those readers who do not already know, Salford City Council, as part of their Draft Core Strategy for the future of Salford, plan to build 600 houses on the site of Burgess Farm. They also plan to build a huge industrial area on farmland at Barton Moss. Burgess Farm still contributes to the rapidly diminishing food chain in this country. The Government have already set targets to sustain food production in this country and help reduce global carbon emissions caused by ‘food miles’. How will closing this farm help? Furthermore, this open space is highly valued and is a ‘green lung’ for the community. According to the Environment Agency, Salford has some of the poorest air quality in the country due to its close proximity to some of the worst congested motorways and major roads in the North West. There will be increased congestion and pollution in one of the already worst affected areas. Those who experience the grid-lock trying to get down the East Lancs Road or onto the Motorways in this area will know what I mean. People moving into this area are unlikely to be employed locally or work locally as there are no jobs in this area. The land at Burgess Farm and Barton Moss is owned by Peel Holdings whose top man, John Whitaker, lives on the Isle of Man. Plenty of green land and fresh air there then! We should try and protect our green areas from these greedy land developers because once they are gone we will never get them back. Readers who wish to voice their objections can do so by e-mailing: plans.consultation@salford.gov.uk or online at www.itsyoursalford.info .Closing date for comments is 15th January at 4.30pm although Barbara Keeley-MP, who is supporting the Salford residents opposing these plans, is trying to obtain an extension to the consultation period. Image: Burgess Farm in the snow
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