The issue
For over 14 months, residents of Romiley and the surrounding area have raised serious concerns about the degradation of what is described as the “W1 woodland and amenity land” at Padden Brook. blogging.sheilaoliver.org+3blogging.sheilaoliver.org+3blogging.sheilaoliver.org+3
Key points as put by concerned residents:
- The land in question is designated as Protected Amenity Land and a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) under the direction of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, confirming its ecological and community value. blogging.sheilaoliver.org+1
- Despite those protections, trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) have been felled, clearances taken place, and machinery deployed — with residents saying little visible enforcement or meaningful action has been taken. blogging.sheilaoliver.org+1
- The local resident campaigners say they’ve repeatedly contacted their elected representatives and the council, only to face long delays, minimal substantive responses, or indications of inertia. blogging.sheilaoliver.org+1
The role of the local MP – Lisa Smart
Ms Smart, MP for the Hazel Grove constituency (which includes Romiley) and formerly a councillor in the area, has been criticised by residents for her response (or lack thereof) on the Padden Brook matter. For example:
- A commentary titled “MP Criticised for Photo Ops While Padden Brook Woodland Awaits Action” argues that while Ms Smart is present at high-profile publicity events, the woodland issue has lingered without obvious progress. blogging.sheilaoliver.org
- Residents say they have submitted repeated communications via her office concerning Padden Brook yet find only generic acknowledgements and few concrete updates. blogging.sheilaoliver.org+1
Why this matters
- The woodland sits in a residential community and functions as part of the green infrastructure of Romiley — for wildlife, for residents’ amenity, and as part of local character.
- If protected land is allowed to be cleared or degraded without visible intervention, it sets a worrying precedent for similar sites.
- Residents feel trust in local governance and representation is undermined when protections appear unenforced.
What’s been done (and not done)
Done
- The council has acknowledged that the land is a Local Wildlife Site and protected amenity land. blogging.sheilaoliver.org
- Planning applications have been submitted regarding tree-removals in the area (e.g., DC/095281 and DC/095427 at Padden Brook). Stockport Planning+1
Not done (or not publicly visible)
- Formal enforcement action (e.g., prosecution, significant fines) for breaches of protection appears absent or not publicly communicated. blogging.sheilaoliver.org+1
- Residents say they are waiting for detailed updates on investigations into alleged breaches of TPOs or ecology laws. blogging.sheilaoliver.org
- The local MP’s office hasn’t publicly posted a detailed update on her engagement with this specific site.
Why Smart “hasn’t lifted a finger” (from the residents’ viewpoint)
From the perspective of those raising the alarm:
- They argue that as MP and former councillor in the area, Ms Smart has both the local platform and responsibility to act as a champion for this woodland.
- They say the fact she has been visible at other events but absent in this case sends a message that she’s not prioritising the green space issue locally.
- They feel that while protections exist on paper, without her active oversight or pressure the protections are being bypassed in practice.
What should happen now
Residents and local campaigners believe the following steps are required:
- Transparent statement from the MP’s office setting out her involvement with Padden Brook, what she has done, what remains outstanding, and what she is asking the council to deliver.
- Independent investigation into whether the protections (TPOs, LWS status, amenity land status) have been breached and whether enforcement has been properly applied. This has been called for previously by a local blog. blogging.sheilaoliver.org
- Public action plan from Stockport Council, in conjunction with Ms Smart’s office, specifying what will happen to safeguard the woodland — including restoration of habitat, monitoring, prosecution if necessary, and ongoing stewardship.
- Regular updates to residents, especially given the frustration many feel at the lack of communication so far.
Conclusion
For more than a year the woodland at Padden Brook has been under threat. While official designations exist to protect it, residents say these protections mean little without visible action. In the eyes of many, the local MP — Lisa Smart — has not sufficiently intervened or ensured accountability, hence the charge that “Smart hasn’t lifted a finger”.
