A petition to stop plans for thousands of new homes in Adlington has been submitted to Parliament.

Macclesfield MP Tim Roca appeared in Westminster on Wednesday evening (December 17) to present a petition requesting the House of Commons urge the Government to abandon the proposal for a new town in Adlington.

The petition was signed by 7,218 residents on paper, complemented by a further 11,714 online, all expressing a clear opposition to the plans.

Mr Roca says this is a view he 'wholeheartedly' shares.

He said: "Residents and local councils are united in concern about the loss of green-belt and agricultural land; the strain on already stretched roads, schools and services; and the impact on local wildlife and the rural character of our communities.

"I thank the volunteers who worked tirelessly to raise awareness, collect signatures and make their voices heard.

"The petitioners therefore request 'that the House of Commons urge the Government to abandon the proposal for a new town in Adlington'."

In November, Mr Roca met with Minister of State, Matthew Pennycook, to discuss the opposition to the proposed Adlington new town (Credit: Tim Roca)

Speaking after leaving the Commons Chamber, Mr Roca added: "With 18,932 signatures, together we have sent a clear message: our community is firmly opposed to a new town at Adlington.

"Under Commons rules, MPs may speak only briefly on petitions, but it mattered to me to have the opportunity to place our community's concerns on the record.

"I want to thank everyone who signed the petition, and especially the campaigners who have gone door to door, street by street, and from protest to protest to make sure people had the opportunity to have their say.

"There is still more work to do, but this is an important milestone for the campaign and we will continue onwards together.

"I'll continue lobbying Ministers and pressing the case to protect our green belt, rural communities and local services."