Concerns that further trees might be at risk on the M6 embankment in the Willenhall area were expressed today by Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Shires.

“I received a copy of the newsletter which Carillion (the Highways Agency contractor)  distribute to residents affected by the M6 Traffic Management Project in the New Invention and Short Heath districts of Willenhall. Hidden in a set of “bullet points” half way down the first page was “Commencement of maintenance operatives access path.”

“At no time has this path been mentioned in any discussions I’ve had with the Highways Agency or Carillion. Given the cavalier attitude of “the agency” I am very concerned that further trees and shrubs which were put in years ago as an environmental screen to protect residents will be removed to enable this access path to be constructed” said Ian.

These concerns come on top of revelations that the environmental fencing, removed some weeks ago, will not be replaced  till February 2010 in-spite of assurances given to some residents that a replacement would be in place by Christmas.

Ian has demanded a meeting with the Highways Agency to thrash out a solution to this latest set of concerns.