Dear Councillors,

 

Thank you for the interest and enthusiasm you have shown in your Paddock residents protest over the proposed running lane construction project which would impinge upon the Green, Birmingham Road, and threatens the mature trees adjoining the road.

 

I am chair of the Paddock Active Climate Change Group, composed of over 70 volunteers from Paddock ward, who work to protect and enhance the Paddock ward environment. We work with the Canal and River Trust, the Arboretum Users, the Walsal Cycle hub, the Frog Trust, the Bumblebee Trust, the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, and the Walsall Green and Clean group to ensure that Paddock does all it can to meet the Carbon Zero targets as soon as we can, preferably before our Walsall target of 2050. 

 

We know you are committed to reach the target too. This proposed running lane is anticipated to require the felling of mature trees on the Green. The decision rests with the Walsall Council. Please do not allow this destruction of the environment to take place. 

 

It is proposed that each mature tree will be replace by three saplings. Each destroyed is home to a huge biodiverse community of wildlife, stores 50kg of Carbon each year, protect the ground beneath from soil erosion and flooding, protect the voters’ homes on the Road from wind, sound and air pollution, and enhance the mental health and well being of those residents and all who travel that road. Three immature, saplings planted who knows where will do little or nothing to fulfill these crucial functions for your voters. They might do so perhaps in fifty years time, if they survive and have the chance to mature.

Walsall Councillors have the final say in this matter. We seek your assurance you will act with due responsibility and ensure your Paddock ward remains the Green example of all the wards in Walsall.

Yours sincerely,

Martin McCluney

Walsall