Landscapes Under Threat - Heysham M6 Link
(also known as the ‘Lancaster Northern Bypass')
Photo: Transport Solutions for Lancaster & Morecambe
This is the green belt to the north of Lancaster. It covers just over five kilometres between the community of Torrisholme and the River Lune. It is pleasant agricultural land, and includes the Lancaster Canal and the River Lune (both Biological Heritage Sites). As undulating countryside, it has many glacial drumlins, which are popular for recreational activities such as walking, cycling, horse-riding, fishing on the River Lune and boating on Lancaster Canal. The hedgerows and many veteran trees are home to birds, including seven protected species, and bats, including five protected species, while otters swim in the River Lune.
Lancashire County Council plan to build a four-lane dual carriageway through this area. At the western end the road would be on an embankment 6.5m high, rising to 12.4m to cross the railway on the left of the picture. It would be topped by lights 10m high. These lights would be on all night, so the 734 houses within 300 metres of it would be more than well lit. To the east, the A6 would be diverted and raised onto drumlins with a flyover, and a large roundabout would replace pasture. The River Lune would be crossed by a second bridge.
Local residents were horrified when they saw the plans. They believe that the road will not solve the area's transport and economic problems , and have formed a group called Transport Solutions for Lancaster & Morecambe. The group aims to stop the road and to develop alternative solutions that will not damage the environment, but will provide first-class sustainable transport systems for the future.
For more information on the campaign, visit www.HeyshamM6Link.info