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Wirral West MP Matthew Patrick has spoken his mind on the Peak Cluster pipeline, saying he remains "hugely disappointed" with it.
Mr Patrick reportedly warned that the proposals affecting the Wirral "remain largely the same" despite the company announcing route changes to the Peak Cluster last week.
The Labour MP issued a fresh statement after Peak Cluster revealed an updated route for its project, as the Wirral Globe reported.
He stressed that several protected sites in the Wirral could be affected by the proposed route, such as the North Wirral Foreshore, which has a Ramsar site (a type of important wetland), Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest designations.
He stressed that wildlife habitats and protected species are already under pressure due to climate change, and reasoned that projects intended to help tackle environmental issues shouldn't damage local ecology.
He also stated he was concerned about plans for an Above Ground Infrastructure compression facility in Wirral, calling it a "significant risk". The facility is planned to be built between Meols and Moreton.
However, he acknowledged that the information released by Peak Cluster about potential future consultation exercises has given people some understanding. Still, he said that engaging with communities should be meaningful and evidence-based, rather than a "box-ticking exercise".
The concerns have reportedly been raised by the MP with Government ministers. A consultation on the changes made to the Peak Cluster route in the Wirral is due in January.
Mr Patrick has also called for an "urgent reassessment" of the proposals by Peak Cluster. He has promised to continue working with Cheshire Wildlife Trust and residents to oppose elements of Peak Cluster that could threaten the Wirral's natural environment.
