The North West Relief Road should be abandoned and Shirehall chiefs should follow public opinion by improving bus, cycle and park-and-ride facilities, a campaign group claimed today.

The Shropshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England spoke out about the controversial £100 million scheme after Shropshire Council published its report over its recent consultation exercise.

Andy Boddington, chairman of CPRE Shropshire said: “The consultation gives a clear message. Two thirds of people who responded to the survey say that public transport, walking, cycling, and park and ride facilities should be the top priority.

“Less than half list the North West Relief Road as their main priority and nearly a third of those who commented say the road should not be built.”

Forty-five per cent of people questioned listed the NWRR as their main priority while 31 per cent say the road should not go ahead.

Priority

Mr Boddington said: “This is a really exciting result from the consultation.

“Even though more than half the people consulted said they would like to see the North West Relief Road built, the public are clear that their main priority lies in environmentally friendly transport,” added Mr Boddington.

Geoff Black, convenor of the No Way! Group believes the survey gives the council the arguments it needs to throw the road proposal out for good.

“Tonight, Shropshire Council has an opportunity to call a halt to this environmentally destructive project,” he said.

“But while the road still exists in council plans and planners’ imaginations, it will draw financial and staff resources away from the public’s main priority. That priority is improving alternatives to driving.”

The development services scrutiny panel will review Shropshire Council’s involvement with the NWRR tonight at 7pm.

Mr Black said: “There will be no money for the North West Relief Road in the current financial climate.

“Even when public finances improve, it is unlikely that this road will be a priority against other more pressing needs,” he added.

“The council has the opportunity to say “no” to this road. It must do so and concentrate its limited resources on more effective and environmentally friendly solutions.”

A report by the council claimed more people than ever want to see the relief road built to tackle growing traffic congestion in Shrewsbury.

By Russell Roberts