1st September 2025
It has now been one year and 22 days since residents first raised urgent concerns about the destruction of the Local Wildlife Site at Padden Brook — and still, no meaningful action has been taken by Stockport councillors to safeguard the area.
Recently, councillors posed for a photo opportunity with a glossy new guide to Stockport representatives for 2025–2026, smiling for the camera while residents say they are being let down.
The Local Wildlife Site, once home to diverse species and a valued green space for the community, has been left to deteriorate under development pressures and neglect. Campaigners argue that despite repeated emails, and public questions, councillors have failed to put in place protections or enforcement measures to prevent further destruction.
“It’s disheartening to see councillors posing for pictures while our local nature is being wiped out,” said one Romiley resident. “We’ve waited nearly 14 months for real action, but all we’ve had is silence.”
The Romiley community has been calling for:
- Formal designation protections to prevent further encroachment.
- Clear accountability from Stockport Council for why the site was allowed to deteriorate.
- Active restoration efforts to bring back habitats already damaged.
So far, campaigners say none of these steps have been delivered. Instead, the Padden Brook site — once celebrated as an oasis for wildlife — is being erased piece by piece.
As the councillors continue to feature in promotional material, the question many residents are asking is simple: when will they show up for Padden Brook, not just for the cameras?
