Eccles residents express concerns over warehouse development impact
Construction near historic neighbourhood raises health and safety fears
Residents of Eccles, Salford, are voicing their concerns over the construction of seven large warehouses near their homes, which has disrupted their day-to-day life and raised multiple safety worries.
Situated off Lankro Way, within a stone’s throw of the River Irwell, the site is being prepared for Aviva Insurers. Since the start of the 12-week ground preparation works, residents have experienced vibrating walls, noise, and falling objects.
Community impact
Young couple Alex and Francis, living next to the site, are seeing bottles fall and break in their kitchen due to vibrations, adding stress since they both work from home. Another resident, Holly Muldoon, who moved into her home two years ago, hoped the site would be developed into a community park. Instead, her hopes were dashed as heavy construction equipment moved in.
Many residents fear the new development, towering over residential properties, will negatively impact sunlight, property values, and their daily comfort. Concerns are also raised by Jack Groom, worried about the effects of increased lorry traffic on air quality affecting his children.
Health and safety risks
The site, formerly Lankro chemical plant, has a history involving storage of hazardous materials. Environmental reports suggest an urgent need for investigation and remediation, highlighting potential risks such as hazardous gas and asbestos exposure.
Richard Braddick, an electrician residing nearby, emphasizes the necessity for transparency, saying, “As residents, we want to know what’s in there. We need to know what they’re doing is safe before they continue digging up the land next to where our kids play football.”
Resident concerns
The community, comprising approximately 20 households on affected streets, has expressed fears over construction vibrations threatening property foundations. Long-time resident Carol Kearsley is worried the earth movement could damage homes built on clay and sandstone.
Aviva Insurers assured the development holds potential for attracting businesses and job creation, promising to minimize disruption and maintain communication with the community. A spokesperson stated, “We are striving to keep any disruption to a minimum by working directly with contractors at the site.”
As construction continues, residents hope for greater transparency and assurances regarding the impact on their neighborhood and health. Their concerns highlight the need for a balanced approach to industrial development in proximity to residential areas.