Local MP Meets To Discuss Poynton Pool Proposals

Environmental and safety concerns were at the top of the agenda when local MP, David Rutley met on site with Andy Kehoe, Head of Estates at Cheshire East Council, to review latest proposals for Poynton Pool.

In 2022, Cheshire East Council announced that it was planning to carry out safety improvement works to Poynton Pool, to enhance the site’s resilience against extreme flooding. Following the publication of the proposals, a number of residents contacted David to raise their concerns about a range of issues, including the potential removal of trees that could take place as part of the proposals. Due to the strength of these concerns and those of local Poynton councillors, David requested a meeting on site to discuss plans in further detail.

As Poynton Pool is classed as a reservoir under the Reservoirs Act, regular compulsory inspections are carried out as required by the Environment Agency to review its safety and ensure the Pool continues to comply with current reservoir safety standards. Following the latest inspection by specialist engineers, the Council is now considering proposals to carry out safety improvement works along a stretch of the bank between Poynton Pool and the A523 London Road North.

During the meeting, Mr Kehoe confirmed that following the public consultation a number of options are being explored and that the views of local residents are being considered – including those set out at a recent public meeting organised by Poynton Town Council.

David raised residents’ concerns about the potential removal of a significant number of trees and urged Cheshire East Council to explore options that would seek to protect the trees. The Council will continue to work closely with the engineers to formulate a plan ahead of a planning application being submitted early in 2023.

Speaking after the meeting, David said, “I am grateful to Cheshire East Council for arranging the recent site visit to Poynton Pool in response to concerns raised by local residents and local councillors. The Council is actively considering how best to balance actions to address potential safety risks from flooding and the impact on the local environment. I very much hope that an approach can be formulated that would protect the trees and related habitats along the side of the Pool, at this much-valued local community amenity.”

Pictured - David Rutley and Andy Kehoe.