Green landscape destroyed
In recent news we hear how relentless urban development is destroying green areas that are now recognised as being very important for the health and well-being of citizens.
In the Shropshire Star recently an article showed that Telford was a red area - its development rendering it less desirable than a green area.
However, it was pointed out that Telford has the best of both worlds because it offers the facilities and benefits of urbanisation, and because it is set in the heart of Shropshire, people also have easy access to the space, beauty and fresh air.
This is all about to change.
The Lawley area of Telford is currently a blend of the urban and the rural with many green fields and wooded areas stretching across to The Wrekin. Many people choose to live here for this reason. However, it is about to be changed by a massive building programme.
In recent weeks an enormous number of trees have been cut down at an alarming rate. This is to make way for the 3,000 houses that are due to be built over the next seven years.
Also disturbing is the news that the Government would like to see a total of 30,000 houses built in Telford to help alleviate national housing shortages.
The powers that be are keen to rush Telford headlong towards the financial gains that city status brings. Such unbridled urban development will inevitably damage the quality of life here.
It is sad that such financial considerations are obviously considered a greater priority than the health of the people who live here.
Martyn Harper Telford
