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An event to raise awareness of controversial plans to run a pressurised carbon dioxide pipeline through Wirral takes place this weekend.
According to the Wirral Globe, The Great Wirral Dip will be held at Wallasey Beach Club on Saturday, July 4, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Organisers describe it as 'a fun dip, not a swim'.
If approved, the Peak Cluster pipeline would carry carbon dioxide from cement factories in the Peak District through Cheshire and Wirral. The gas would then be compressed and sent under the sea. The pipeline could also connect to Essar's Tranmere oil terminal to take in imported carbon dioxide. Plans include building a four- or five-storey compression station near either Meols or Moreton.
The controversial pipeline could start construction in 2029 and last until 2032. Its estimated cost is around £5 billion, but the government has committed £28.6 million to it already.
So, why is it bad? Well, campaigners across Cheshire and Wirral have argued that the pipeline would cause irreparable damage to rural areas (there are many in both areas), threaten livelihoods, and harm biodiversity. They argue that the technology supposedly used to compress carbon dioxide is unproven and that the risk outweighs the potential reward.
It's safe to say many residents, landowners and communities where the pipeline could be laid staunchly oppose the project, and many have been refusing access for surveys and being vocal about how environmentally destructive it will be.
There have been many demonstrations and protests outside Wallasey Town Hall and the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, common places where public consultations are held. Now the people won't stop taking a stand.
The Great Wirral Dip is organised by Action Against CCS, a campaign group. Chair Laura Beveridge said: "The committee of AACCS continues their work in the background, taking the opportunity to use the 'break' in between consultations to prepare for the next phase. Community events such as the dip are important to maintain community spirit and for continued awareness of the project and campaign."
Initially, a walk along the pipeline route from Wirral to the Peak District was scheduled for July 12. It was cancelled due to issues with permits. Beveridge said the delay would allow organisers to bring "a bigger, better and safer event".
The anti-pipeline campaign has been widespread, with multiple demonstrations in Meols and New Brighton and a fundraising music night in Birkenhead.
More publicity came last month, when New Brighton resident Paul Gould ran in the Makerfield by-election as a single-issue independent candidate to raise awareness of Peak Cluster.
The pipeline was also recently discussed in Parliament when Chester and South Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth raised her constituents' concerns about environmental, economic and safety implications with an energy minister. Still, a decision has not been made yet.
