Hundreds at green belt rally opposing the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework

Photo: Kenneth Hall

Rally opposing the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework

Hundreds of people turned out for the green belt rally opposing the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) in Manchester’s Albert Square on Saturday (1 April).

Chairman of Greater Manchester Green Belt, Steve Longden, and James Mason gave speeches.

Founding Member of Bamford Green Belt Action Group, Anne Shorrock said: “Those that were there were very passionate about the green belt and its proposed destruction by the GMSF.

“Steve Longden, chairman of Greater Manchester Green Belt, spoke with conviction and how the whole strategy needs to go back to the drawing board. We are not against houses being built but they need to be affordable and in the right places. Our town centres are disappearing - building affordable homes and small businesses would breathe new life into them.

“The rally was mentioned on Granada and BBC TV in the early evening news which will have gone into many homes. The people who weren't there have to be reminded that we are protesting in their name and for their children and grandchildren. They have to be more involved if we are going to stop this green belt grabbing. Once the green belt has gone it has gone forever.”

Mike Jones said: “Many thanks to each and every person who attended the rally today from SSGB and all other green belt groups. You were absolutely magnificent.

“Also, massive thanks go to Steve Longden and James Mason for their great speeches along with the other speakers, also many thanks also to all the other organisers and great to see so many children present - they are after all our future.

“This is just the start of our battle and we can win this fight if we stay strong and unite.”

Judith Jones, a representative of the Newhey and Milnrow Action Group against the GMSF proposals, said: “The Action Group and residents from Newhey and Milnrow attended the Rally at Manchester Town Hall on 1st April. It was a great rally showing solidarity and deep concern for the future of our local Greenbelt around the Newhey and Milnrow villages. We hope the council leaders and planners are listening to the concerns of thousands of people across the Greater Manchester area who want to work with them to make any future plans a success.”

Protester Kenneth Hall said: “Being there with other communities at the demonstration just shows the depth of feeling about our precious green belt and the countryside in general. So much has been lost to over development and we need the countryside for health and well-being to get away from the city and towns. Once it is gone, it is gone.

“Also, nature needs space as well and with so many species in the world on the brink of extinction, we need to help nature as much as possible. I just cannot understand councils who tell us how much we need open areas for the health and well-being of people for leisure and to learn about nature, and yet want to take the same countryside away.

“This is not just about protecting the environment and nature, the council has plans in areas like Bamford to take a popular sports fields used for football, etc., away to build on. The majority of people are against it and the plans they have for Greater Manchester to remove the green belt is a step too far in the wrong direction.”

Councillor Chris Furlong said: "It was a great family event, with a variety of people there from different generations. I was there to support the many residents of Middleton who attended. They were there to voice their opinions on the GMSF in its current form.

"There will be a second more detailed consultation on the GMSF in the next few months and I would urge people to again look through the details of this new and revised consultation and ask people to give the authorities their views on it."

Save Middleton Green Belt at the rally opposing the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework