Land sought for tree planting scheme - 13
August 2007
Council bosses are searching for nine sites where they can
plant trees aimed at cutting pollution and noise from the
M1 motorway.
The county council says more than £1 million will be
spent on putting in lime and evergreen pines up by the end
of the year.
Trees are known to absorb pollutants and shield nearby homes
from the noise of cars rushing by.
The measures are to soften the impact of the proposed widening
of the M1, which is due to start in 2010.
Cash for the scheme will come from the Government, with some
from the council's coffers.
Most of the land used will be authority-owned, but council
officers are also looking at private land.
County council leader David Parsons said: "These trees
act as a barrier to noise, while lowering pollution and dust
levels close to the road, and we hope that it we will be able
to make a start this autumn.
"These will be planted in strategic areas we are looking
at.
"Many people close to the road are not happy about the
plans to widen it, and that's why we must ensure their lives
are not made worse.
"I'm sure our measures will have the desired impact."
Other ways to protect nearby residents from the troubles
caused by the M1 are also being planned.
Council bosses want verges to be untouched, sound barriers
put up in residential areas, and a noise-reduction road surface
to be installed.
Leicester Forest East resident Olly Jackson said: "I
understand why work needs to be done on the M1, but the council
and the road builders have to make sure that life is not made
a misery for people living along the road.
"I can't imagine trees making that much difference.
I hope I am pleasantly surprised."
Visit The
Highways Agency website for additional infomation on the
M1 M69 link road
Source Leicester
Mercury
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