More trees and shrubs appear to be threatened as the Highways Agency continues to deflect demands by local residents for information on the planned 4-lane running on the M6 as it passes through the Short Heath and New Invention districts of Willenhall.

The latest threat manifested itself yesterday (Tuesday 24th February) as a lone workman armed with a chainsaw began cutting a 1metre wide track at the back of the fencing protecting residents in the New Invention area.

This follows hard on the heels of a swathe of mature trees being hacked down on the motorway embankment behind “The Woodlands” estate in Short Heath a couple of weeks ago.

Speaking on the matter yesterday having just heard of the latest threat Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Shires said “I am absolutely furious about what the Highways Agency is doing. I have, along with colleagues in Willenhall North and Short Heath Wards, been trying to get access to what the Agency plans to do to achieve 4-lane running on the M6 as it passes through our area.  In-spite of repeated attempts to get information we have been met with a stone wall of silence.

“My colleagues and I have now asked the council to intervene at the highest level. The trees on the motorway embankment have taken years to reach their current state of maturity and have helped local residents to live with the effects of what is the busiest stretch of motorway in Europe. Any attempt to decimate these trees any further will be resisted vigorously.” said councillor Shires.