In addition to its work developing and maintaining Magog Down, the Magog Trust has another aim, namely “the conservation, protection and restoration of the countryside in Cambridgeshire”.
Some bad news. The green belt in the vicinity of the Down and our new countryside park (adjacent to the new retirement village, Strawberry Fields, on the edge of Stapleford) is under threat from an unnecessary busway. The Trustees are not against improvements in local public transport but believe these can be achieved without wholesale damage to the environment.
Over the years, the Trustees have made known their opposition to the proposal to build this concrete road across the lower slopes of the Magog Hills and we believe the majority of our Members, Friends and other visitors would prefer a scheme which minimises damage. An alternative scheme is possible but those in authority have declined to consider it even though it offers substantially the same benefits at significantly lower cost, both financially and to the environment.
Time is of the essence as Cambridgeshire County Council has applied to the Government for permission to proceed with their scheme. It will now go to public enquiry where the proposal will be examined in detail. Stapleford Parish Council, Great Shelford Parish Council and a number of local charities including The Magog Trust have grouped together as Better Ways for Busways (BW4B!) to oppose the scheme and present the better alternative. Visit their website for further details.
If you share our concerns, the Trustees urge you to make them known by 7th March. You can find out how to do this on the BW4B! website by clicking here.
Also, if you feel able, the website provides an opportunity to donate towards the costs of presenting the case for a better solution to Cambridge’s traffic problems.
The Trustees will be happy to respond to any comments or questions. Please address them to the Chairman, Chris Bow, at admin@magogtrust.org.uk.