David Cameron pledges fresh look at Shrewsbury relief road bid

The PM answered a question from Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski on the issue of the £100 million road scheme in the House of Commons yesterday.

During Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Kawczynski asked if the country's improved economic situation would allow funds to be set aside for the project.

Mr Cameron said he welcomed the question from Mr Kawczynski and said he would examine the case for the new bypass in further detail.

The Prime Minister said: "I will certainly look at the proposal he makes. I know that he wants Shrewsbury to be a connected hub in our country and he puts that case regularly."

The scheme, dropped two years ago due to a lack of cash, caused huge controversy when it was previously mooted.

Groups like the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth warned it would destroy wildlife habitats. Campaigners have vowed to oppose the scheme again now it has been brought back to the table.

It would create a four-mile bypass, from Churncote roundabout west of Shrewsbury to the roundabout on Ellesmere Road.

A Government grant of £100 million, combined with £10 million of cash from another source, would be required to get the scheme off the ground.

The scheme was shelved in January 2011 after the Comprehensive Spending Review by Government decided there was no scope for major investment.

But efforts are now being made to revive the scheme.

In June, Shropshire Council listed the North West Relief Road as an "aspiration" it hopes to secure funding for between 2015 and 2019.

But council bosses have said the project would only be possible with the majority of funding coming from the Government.

Claire Wild, cabinet member for highways, said: "Shropshire Council still believes a Shrewsbury North West Relief Road would be beneficial for the town, offering a possible solution to congestion and transport problems, as well as increasing its attractiveness for residents, new businesses and visitors.

"However, while the road remains an aspiration, it is unlikely to become a reality unless government funding can be found."