John Leech MP takes Mersey Valley fight to Parliament

4.18.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th May 2007

John Leech MP has been working with local Councillors to fight against Tory Trafford Council's cuts in funding to the Mersey Valley Warden Service.

South Manchester Lib Dem MP John Leech has taken the fight to stop cuts to the Mersey Valley Wardens Service to Parliament.

In a recent debate, John Leech raised the issue and highlighted the important role that the Mersey Valley plays in the lives of thousands of local people. A Parliamentary motion condemning the cutbacks has now gained support from a number of fellow MPs.

In the debate, John Leech read out quotes from south Manchester residents concerned at the possible implications for one of the few green oases left in Manchester. He also paid tribute to the work of local "friends" groups in helping to publicise the issue and in collecting over 1,000 signatures on a petition fighting against the cuts.

"So much for the Conservatives' commitment to the local environment," John said during the debate. "They slash budgets and cut services, but what does that mean for the Mersey valley? At present, we cannot be sure, but at the very least the result will be cuts in jobs or services, with the visitor centre in Sale a probable target."

Speaking after the debate, John commented: "Trafford Council clearly do not appreciate the value of the Mersey Valley. The Mersey Valley provides a green lung for the whole of south Manchester at a time when over-development is rife."

"The Mersey Valley also provides the perfect location for everything from fishing to horse riding to windsurfing. There's a wonderful atmosphere around the River Mersey during the summer with people from all different backgrounds making the most of what is a treasured resource."

<<ENDS>>

John Leech MP spoke in the Whitsun Adjournment Debate on 24th May 2007. For the original Hansard source please go to http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070524/debtext/70524-0014.htm#07052479000453

John Leech MP has tabled Early Day Motion 1366 - Trafford Council and The Mersey Valley Wardens Service, the text of which is set out below.

TRAFFORD COUNCIL AND THE MERSEY VALLEY WARDEN SERVICE

26.04.2007

Leech, John

That this House condemns Trafford Borough Council's decision to cut funding to the Mersey Valley Warden Service; recognises the excellent work done by staff and friends' groups across the Mersey Valley in Manchester and Trafford and is concerned that cuts in funding will result in a reduced service for visitors to the Mersey Valley; notes the significance of the Mersey Valley in providing a green lung for South Manchester and a haven for bird life which attracts ornithologists from the local area and from outside the region; further recognises that plant life in the Valley has been studied for over 200 years and that there is a need to protect the biodiversity of the area; and therefore calls upon Trafford Borough Council to reverse its savage cut to funding for the service.