Here is the latest press release that's been sent to all the local media:

LOCALS OPPOSING CHESHIRE EAST COUNCIL’S PLANNING APPLICATION PRODUCE ALTERNATIVE SPILLWAY PROPOSALS IN ATTEMPT TO SAVE TREES AT 250 YEAR OLD PARK.

The Friends of Poynton Pool (“FoPP”), which is opposing a planning application that could potentially see over 31 trees felled and numerous others significantly impacted as part of planned spillway works, is going public with alternative proposals to the scheme.

The campaign group is fighting for a more environmentally friendly solution for the planned improvements being proposed by Cheshire East Council (CEC), due to go to Planning Committee on 24th April.

Ahead of that meeting, FoPP will be revealing its alternative proposals and answering any questions at a public gathering at Poynton British Legion on Thursday 18th April (6.30pm for 7pm start).

The group will also be sharing its 13-part, myth-busting campaign, https://poyntonpool.org/myth-busters/ originally launched on social media debunking numerous facts and figures used in the planning application, including:

The number of trees impacted.
The projected costs.
The impact on the landscape and its biodiversity.
The data used to justify the plan.
FoPP Chair, Mike Ellison, says: 
 
“We want Cheshire East Council to put a halt to what amounts to environmental vandalism in the planning application as it now stands, and to defer a decision so a more environmentally friendly solution that delivers reasonable  safety can be found.

“Instead of ignoring us, and riding roughshod over public opinion, we are calling on Cheshire East Council to do the responsible thing and engage with us.”

CEC originally went out to public consultation with the controversial plans for flood mitigation works at the local beauty spot in autumn 2022. The proposals were strongly opposed with over 1,200 responses from members of the public.
 
The main issues questioned whether the works were needed, raised concerns about the environmental and visual impact of the loss of trees, and that other solutions should be considered.
 
The cost of the scheme was also a factor with many observations pointing out the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Despite over 1,700 objections lodged from local residents, Poynton Town Council, David Rutley MP and CEC’s own Tree and Nature Conservation Officers, Cheshire East’s plans, which remain virtually unchanged and cost over £1.4m, will be determined on 24th April.

-ENDS-

Notes:
You are invited to send a reporter and/or camera crew to the event:
Where: Poynton British Legion, Georges Road West, Poynton, SK12 1JY
When: Thursday 18th April, 6.30pm for 7pm start.
Who: Interviews will be available with:
 (contacts provided to the media)