Romiley Gazette – Special Report
Date: 12th August 2025
PROTECTED LAND STRIPPED – TAXPAYERS FACE CLEAN-UP BILL
Council inaction blamed for loss of wildlife habitat and rising flood risks
By our Investigations Correspondent
A designated Local Wildlife Site and protected amenity land in Romiley has been stripped of mature laurels and dense undergrowth by its new owner, Mr Greg Hall – with no wildlife survey, no environmental impact assessment, and no intervention from local authorities.
The clearance has left residents outraged and fearful of consequences they say were entirely predictable. The vegetation acted as a natural flood defence, soaking up rainfall before it could flow downhill. Now, with the natural barrier gone, residents have already reported increased water surging into the road below, threatening to degrade the surface and overburden the culvert that runs beneath.
Despite repeated warnings, senior council officers, the local MP, and councillors allowed the work to proceed without the standard checks designed to protect both the environment and public infrastructure.
“This is more than just environmental vandalism,” said one local campaigner. “It’s a textbook example of negligence. And once again, it will be the council taxpayer left to pick up the repair costs.”
Environmental experts say the loss of the laurels could also have a devastating effect on local biodiversity, with many species losing vital shelter and feeding grounds overnight.
The Romiley Gazette has contacted the council for comment on why no wildlife or environmental assessments were undertaken. At the time of going to press, no explanation had been provided.
For now, the question remains: if our “Servants of Society” cannot act to protect the land and wildlife already under their care, who will?
