Chelmer Valley Link Road
There is a proposal to build a new road across Chelmer Valley in Essex, called the Cross Valley Link. Essex County Council are considering three options for this road between Essex Regiment Way (A130) and Broomfield. All three options would cause massive damage to the Special Landscape Area of the Chelmer Valley. This is a superb green corridor with a beautiful meandering river and fine flood meadows - important for wildlife and for many local people who walk the many interconnecting paths.
In addition, Road Option 1 would cut through the Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve of Newland Grove - a superb reserve with over 200 plant species including Cowslips, Bluebells, Violets etc. and over 90 types of birds including Song Thrush and Kingfisher.
Road Option 2 would cut Little Waltham Meadow in half. Essex Wildlife Trust purchased this 22 acre nature reseerve over 10 yerads ago as a result of a special appeal. The fine flower rich meadows along the Chelmer are home to many protected animals, such as Otter, Water Vole, Kingfisher and dragonflies.
The Wilderness Foundation UK is concerned by the damage to the countryside and Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves that the construction of this road would cause. If you share our concerns please follow the links below to find out more about this development
Update
1st March 2007
It has been reported today that the nature reserves under threat have received a stay of execution. Essex County Council has confirmed that the project has been put on hold until more information about traffic flow is available.
The decision has also been taken because at this stage it remains unclear what the future needs of staff, patients and visitors travelling to the nearby Broomfield Hospital will be.
source: www.eadt.co.uk
The Wilderness Foundation will continue to monitor further developments and support Essex Wildlife Trust in this matter. Further updates will be posted here on our website and blog.
