Tiny snail leaves big mark
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Government scientists are expected to recommend this week that part of the Olin Newbury Bypass should be designated a Special Conservation
Area. This follows a report from the Government agency English Nature on a rare species of tiny snail that thrives along the controversial route.
The Government scientists' report will fuel demands from protesters that the bypass must he delayed or halted.
The agency has warned that the proposed two-lane dual carriageway will cover two of the Desmoulin's whorl snail's best habitats in the UK.
Conservation groups including Friends of the Earth are now hoping to get an injunction to halt the road building, which is scheduled to start in that area in less than four months.
The Government might still go ahead with the project arguing overriding economic interest, in spite of the fact it has put the snail on a list of plant and species for which it is considering rescue plans.
Newbury bypass: Snail has more effect than protests.