Dear Councillor Kay Mason-Billig,

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your recent appointment as the new leader of Norfolk County Council. Your new position comes with great responsibility, particularly when it comes to the preservation and protection of the valuable and unique ecosystems of Norfolk.

As you know, the County Council is looking to construct a three-mile dual carriageway road ( Norwich Western Link)  that if built would cut through undisturbed and highly protected countryside in Norfolk.  This as you will also know is the home to a wide array of wildlife species. One such species is the newly discovered super colony of very rare and highly protected barbastelle bats, which reside in the area to be affected. We believe the construction of the proposed road would cause irreparable harm and extensive damage to these bats as well as to Norfolk's habitats, flora, and fauna generally. 

We, along with other coalition organisations, such as the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, CPRE, Friends of the Earth, the Woodland Trust, Norfolk Rivers Trust, and the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society, advocate for the protection and preservation of the natural spaces of Norfolk.

This coalition has worked tirelessly to promote the protection of the environment and nature and has gathered signatures on a petition with nearly 15,000 supporters, urging for the project to be discontinued. The response has been tremendous, and the level of public interest in preserving Norfolk's natural spaces is growing day by day.

The Wensum Valley is one of the most significant natural sites in Norfolk that needs to be protected. The proposed road will threaten the "green wedge" of the Wensum Valley, which is the only remaining area of green space that is not divided by a major road and provides access to large, undisturbed, and high-quality green space for the residents of Norwich and the surrounding areas.

Access to green space is more important now than ever, as mental, and physical health issues are on the rise, and studies show a clear link between access to green space and improved mental and physical health.

Moreover, it is essential to consider the increasing evidence that encroachment into natural habitats brings with it a risk to public health. This evidence highlights the importance of preserving these natural habitats for future generations.

Furthermore, as the cost of the road increases by the day and could soon reach £300 million, there is a real risk that it could impair the Council's ability to deliver to the people of Norfolk  essential services. 

We therefore strongly urge you to seriously consider the factors highlighted in this letter and prioritise the protection of Norfolk's unique ecosystems. We believe that preserving natural spaces is in the best interest of both the environment and the people.

Once again, congratulations on your new role and we hope that you will engage with us and other coalition organisations to protect Norfolk's natural heritage.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Yours Sincerely,

Stop Wensum Link Campaign Group