Green issues for Mersey expansion

Peel Ports Mersey’s Master Plan is a 20 year vision for growth and future development – which includes a 70% growth in tonnage handling and the creation of 8000 jobs. There are also plans for a Post-Panamax River Terminal, which is at the heart of the Master Plan strategy.

During a series of local events held to elicit public opinion, 89% welcomed the growth strategy, 6% were against and 5% had no opinion.

Although feedback was generally positive, there were some issues raised that need to be taken seriously. These include concern over the planned development of a nature reserve, mitigation of environmental impact and additional port traffic load on the roads.

Peel Ports managing director, Gary Hodgson said: “Following the consultation we have identified areas of concern, and we will now consider these in more detail”.

He added that Peel Ports are committed to working closely with public agencies, organisations and the local community to get things right before the publication of a revised Master Plan in 2012.