Wildlife campaigners concerned endangered newts could be crushed beneath ten-tonne lorries believe Redbridge Council may have broken a promise to move a road.

Members of the Redbridge Green Party raised concerns that a road due to pass through Fairlop Country Park has not been moved, despite a November 2018 full council decision to do so.

When in use, the road would see 10-tonne lorries moving along it at a rate of one every three minutes.

Campaigners worry this level of disruption would cause permanent damage to the habitats of the newts, badgers, owls and bats that live in the country park.

On November 22, 2018, the council unanimously passed a motion to move the through road away from the endangered species’ homes to nearby open land.

But following a meeting on January 28 between campaigners and the haulage company due to use the road, Brett Tarmac, the original plans still appear to be in place.

Campaigners have written to the council leader, calling for clarification and reassurances that the November full council decision will in fact be enforced.

In that letter, Diana Korchien of the Redbridge Green Party, wrote: “Brett Tarmac invited campaigners to view the proposed route of the haul road.

“To their surprise, shock and disgust, the route had in no way been moved.

“It was exactly the same as before the November 22 full council meeting.

“Instead of moving to nearby open land, this route – to be used by up to 180 Brett Tarmac gravel trucks per day – will crash through the area of shrubs and trees on Fairlop Waters Country Park side of the boundary, permanently destroying the habitat of diverse wildlife, including the long-eared owl and badgers – both protected species.

“We strongly urge you and the rest of the council to stand by your decision to change the route of this gravel haul road.”

Construction work on a site near the country park and use of the road is expected to begin in the next two weeks.

Redbridge Council did not respond to a request for comment.