27th October 2025
While national security and cyber threats dominate headlines — with 612,000 businesses and 61,000 charities targeted across the UK last year — local residents in Romiley are facing a very different battle: protecting their green spaces.
For over 14 months, efforts to safeguard a W1 protected woodland. Site of Biological Interest and amenity land have stalled. Many residents report repeated attempts to engage with their representatives, only to be met with delays and inaction. Lisa Smart, the local LibDem MP, has been heavily visible in photo opportunities and national-level discussions, but has not acted to protect these local sites.
Community members say this ongoing inaction is frustrating and disheartening, especially as threats to local green spaces are immediate and tangible. “It feels like our concerns are being ignored,” one resident said.
While national threats like cyber attacks demand attention, Romiley residents argue that local officials must also prioritize the protection of woodland, amenity land, and community spaces. Many feel that in this regard, Lisa Smart has failed to deliver, leaving residents to wonder who will actually stand up for their neighbourhood.
