The Secretary of State has now confirmed the long-awaited decision on the Simister Island Interchange project (M60/M62/M66) — a development that will bring major improvements to one of the region’s busiest and most congested junctions. While the scheme itself will deliver significant economic and transport benefits across Greater Manchester, for local residents one of the most important victories lies much closer to home: the long-overdue improvements to the Haweswater Underpass.
Martyn West’s Campaign Pays Off
This outcome would not have been possible without the persistence and dedication of Martyn West, Bury Independents campaigner for the Besses ward.
Martyn first picked up the issue back in 2022, when residents raised concerns about the underpass. What he found was shocking:
- A poorly maintained, waterlogged route regularly strewn with rubbish.
- No lighting, leaving schoolchildren walking through darkness in winter.
- A vital pedestrian link, with usage surveys showing around 70 people daily, most of them children on their way to and from school.
- An alternative route almost 1.7 km longer (over a mile!), discouraging safe pedestrian use.
Despite its importance, no authority wanted to claim responsibility for the underpass, and funding proposals — including a potential cycle route project — had long since evaporated.
Martyn refused to let the issue drop. He:
- Registered as an interested party during the Simister Island consultation process.
- Raised the matter at public and community meetings, including Eden Gardens.
- Met with United Utilities directors, securing their willingness to support improvements.
- Made formal representations to the Planning Inspectorate and directly to the Secretary of State, highlighting the risks to schoolchildren and the neglected state of the route.
Thanks to his persistence, the Planning Inspectorate acknowledged the problem, and the Secretary of State ultimately imposed a requirement on National Highways to address improvements to the Haweswater Underpass as part of the wider scheme.
Benefits for Local People and the Region
This decision represents a fantastic win for residents of Whitefield and Prestwich, who will now see a safer and more accessible walking route — particularly important for children and families. The Simister Island project as a whole promises to:
- Cut congestion at one of the North West’s busiest motorway junctions.
- Boost connectivity across Greater Manchester and the North.
- Support the regional economy by improving transport reliability for commuters, logistics, and businesses.
Balancing Progress with Concerns
Of course, any major scheme brings with it some concerns. Campaign groups and local residents have raised issues about the impact on green belt land, biodiversity, and air quality. It’s right that these concerns are noted and respected, especially for those living closest to the junction who may feel the effects most directly.
Nonetheless, the Secretary of State’s decision shows that with proper scrutiny and strong community voices, improvements can be made that both support the wider economy and directly benefit local people.
A Community Win
For Bury Independents, this is a shining example of what determined local campaigning can achieve. Thanks to Martyn West’s tireless work, what was once a dark, unsafe, and forgotten underpass is now set to receive the investment it deserves — a clear and tangible improvement to everyday life in our communities.
