COUNCILLORS visited St Philips Park, Whitefield, last Saturday morning to see for themselves the devastation to wildlife caused by insensitive planning and development, supposedly designed to make the park more attractive. The tour, led by pond ecologist David Bentley,was to show Bury Metro the irreparable damage their plans - some which are thought to be contrary to planning policy - have caused.

It was also designed to hopefully stop the same thing happening in Kirklees in Bury - the next site to be developed by the recreational services to make it 'aesthetically pleasing'.

Mr Bentley explained to councillors Derek Boden and Warren Flood how the site, which is listed as being of Grade A biological importance, was restructured, destroying wildlife communities that were more than 100 years old.

Said Mr Bentley: "The present site can no longer be considered as a site of biological importance.

"The conditions are wrong for species to breed and colonise. This can not be allowed to happen with Kirklees."

Councillor Boden told the Journal: "The tour has been informative and educational. I am aware of the concerns expressed, and will be discussing the issues before work starts at Kirklees."

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