Ramblers anger over plan to remove hedge
Ramblers have hit out at plans to remove more than 11km of hedgerow from the south Shropshire countryside – claiming it would ruin the landscape.
The Shropshire Area of the Ramblers have objected to plans to remove the greenery from land on Marrington Farm in Chirbury, near Shrewsbury. They believe the hedgerows form a vital link with the area's history.
They also claim it would have a detrimental effect on wildlife if the hedges were taken away.
Trevor Allison, footpath secretary for the Shropshire Area of the Ramblers, said the scheme would ruin the landscape and said it would need a powerful argument to convince people otherwise.
Applicant Fraser Jones wants to remove the hedges as part of planned changes to the running of the farm.
Mr Allison said: "The views westwards from this road over these fields are extensive and beautiful. Two public footpaths legally cross this area from the A490 going east-west to the next minor road and then on west towards the border with Wales, Offa's Dyke and Montgomery.
"This scheme is totally out of keeping with the patchwork nature of the landscape in this area, in fact hedgerows make the English landscape.
"Mr Allison said he feared that as any comments had to be made by January 3, people would not have time to voice their opinions with Shropshire Council.
Morris, Marshall and Poole, agents for Mr Jones, said the hedges had little wildlife value.
A spokesman said: "The applicant would like to remove the hedgerow to allow for more efficient utilisation. The hedgerow has very little wildlife value and is not historic."
