14th March 2026
Local MP Lisa Smart is scheduled to speak today at the Liberal Democrat spring conference, highlighting national party priorities and the party’s plans for the year ahead.
However, the appearance has prompted renewed frustration among some residents and environmental campaigners in the Romiley area, who say their concerns about the destruction and disturbance along Padden Brook have gone largely unanswered.
Campaigners claim that for around 19 months they have been seeking clearer public engagement from Smart regarding the issue. They argue that while the matter has been raised locally through community groups and correspondence, they have not seen a significant public statement or intervention addressing the situation directly.
One local resident involved in community discussions said:
“People here care deeply about Padden Brook. We’ve been asking for attention to what’s happened along the W1 protected woodland, and many of us feel that the issue hasn’t been properly acknowledged at the political level.”
Environmental volunteers say the area, has long been valued as a wildlife corridor and green space. Concerns raised by residents have focused on the impact of development and land disturbance along sections of the watercourse.
Supporters of Smart note that MPs and councillors often handle such matters through private casework and discussions with local authorities rather than public statements. They also point out that conference appearances typically focus on national policy rather than individual local issues.
Still, critics say the timing of the conference speech highlights what they see as a gap between national political activity and unresolved local concerns.
As Smart addresses party members at the conference today, some residents say they will continue pressing for a clearer response on the future protection and restoration of Padden Brook.
The Romiley Gazette has contacted Lisa Smart’s office for comment.
