Protestors meet for Tree Dressing event

Campaigners met from 11am until 3pm - despite the dreary weather - to decorate a tree that overlooks the route of the proposed A628 Mottram-Tintwistle bypass. Throughout the day over 40 people turned up and took part.

Longdendale was, until recently, an historic farming community, where ancient customs survived and were respected. One of these customs involved "special trees", often oak, ash, or thorn. Even in recent times tokens (traditionally red or white ribbons), along with requests for help and thanks, were attached to some of these trees.

The draft Orders for this scheme were published by the Highways Agency on 31st January 2006. Objectors have until the 5th May to send their views to the Secretary of State for Transport. A Public Inquiry is likely to follow in Autumn 2006. Visit the Swallow's Wood website for more information, to sign the online petition and subscribe to the mailing list.

See also:
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/sheffield/2003/07/274041.html
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/sheffield/2004/07/295151.html
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/manchester/2004/08/296409.html
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/01/304064.html