Why not Sudbury, Darling? (South Suffolk Liberal Democrats)

South Suffolk Liberal Democrats <southsuffolklibdems@googlemail.com>

Why not Sudbury, Darling?

March 31, 2005 2:47 PM

Liberal Democrats by a post box in Sudbury, with a letter addressed to the Secretary of State for Transport

From left to right: Councillors Martyn Booth, Tony Platt, Nigel Bennett and Kathy Pollard

Liberal Democrats have called on Government Minister, Alastair Darling, to reconsider the Subdury Western Bypass/relief road. Sudbury has had its desperately needed Western relief road rejected by the Labour government, yet every week 105,000 vehicles and 17,000 HGV's use the A131 within the conservation area.

To make matters worse, the County Council predict the Chilton development on the edge of Sudbury will increase traffic levels by 10% in the next 10 years. Liberal Democrats have estimated the increase will be nearer a 20% increase in traffic.

"There is a clear case for a relief road now even without the growth in housing (nearly 2,000) expected over the next 10 years in the town, the expansion of Tescos and the expansion at Stansted airport," said District Cllr Martyn Booth.

Lib Dem County Councillor and South Suffolk Parliamentary candidate, Kathy Pollard, ensured that the Sudbury Western Bypass was put back on the County's list of road schemes when she held the portfolio for Transport 5 years ago. "Having fought to get the Bypass back on the agenda I don't intend to give up now," said Mrs. Pollard. "Sudbury is suffering more and more congestion. Residents of Ballingdon Street and Cross Street are bearing the brunt of through traffic from the South, with cars and lorries mounting the pavements at speed and endangering local people."

"The government has ignored the human and environmental cost in terms of congestion, air pollution, road safety and damage to the historic fabric of our market town," added Town and District Cllr Nigel Bennett.

Martyn Booth added, "It is unacceptable to expect residents to have to wait until 2012 at the earliest for another bid. At that rate, we will be lucky to see a new road in 2016! To make matters worse Conservative controlled Essex and Braintree District opposed the need for a western relief road in Sudbury, while upgrading their road network along the A131/A120. Everyone knows this will draw more traffic through Sudbury."

Liberal Democrats have written to Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, demanding a review of the decision taken.