Tree removal objectors work on reservoir safety plan
BBCCampaigners, who have been protesting for years about trees being chopped down at a beauty spot, are now working with the council on how to carry out the safety works needed.
A new proposal, drawn up by the Friends of Poynton Pool and Cheshire East Council, follows the current footpath and is designed to "avoid as many trees as possible".
The campaign group and the authority said they had "agreed a preferred way forward" and the new proposals included "relatively minor engineering works".
Cheshire East Council first outlined plans to remove trees at the ornament pond, which dates back to 1750, in 2023, sparking demonstrations outside Macclesfield Town Hall.
Because of its size, Poynton Pool is legally classed as a reservoir.
As a result, the council said it was required to do safety works on the site.
The tree removal plan led to protests both at Poynton Pool and Cheshire East Council meetings in recent years.
At that meeting, planning officers said they had received a letter from the housing secretary which said they could not grant permission without his permission.
But officers said thst did not stop councillors voting on the plan, and the application was refused with five councillors voting against the plans, and four in favour.
Months later, Cheshire East Council, the Friends of Poynton Pool and Poynton Town Council, have issued a joint statement, saying: "We're now working together to draw up the plans in detail so they can be shared with the Environment Agency and a timetable for carrying out the works can be agreed."
It said more survey works would be carried out, which will start next month, before further details will be provided in the future.
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