LEAVE THOSE NEWTS ALONE

6.59.00am GMT Tue 27th Nov 2007

“There has been a serious decline in Great Crested Newts over the last 40 years. Kirklees Council lists them as needing special attention within our area.”

Lib Dem leader Kath Pinnock (Cleckheaton ward) has voiced concerns about the protected Great Crested Newt at the old mill pond in Scholes, Cleckheaton. The pond contains a colony of Crested Newts that face relocation due to developers wanting to build over the area.

The Newts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and Cllr Pinnock said: "There has been a serious decline in Great Crested Newts over the last 40 years. Kirklees Council lists them as needing special attention within our area."

The Wildlife and Countryside Act makes it illegal to handle, move or harm the Newts in any way. The developers have submitted a special planning application to provide alternative accomodation for the Newts. However, Cllr Pinnock said: "I'm proud that Scholes can boast its own colony, but a responsibility follows to ensure the Newts are properly protected. I have looked carefully at the plans for a new home for the Newts and I don't believe it is a 'newts 'des res'."

The Great Crested Newt is rather large at 125mm long and is the least common variety of Newt in the United Kingdom and this is why it is specially protected under law. Although they breed in ponds, the surrounding habitats are also vitally important. Cllr Pinnock said: "I have written to the planners asking them to turn down the plan and require the developers to take proper account of the needs of the Newts."