Shrewsbury's MP appeals to PM over North West Relief Road funding
Shrewsbury's MP has appealed to the Prime Minister to intervene and secure funding for the town's North West Relief Road.
Daniel Kawczynski wrote to Theresa May asking for her intervention and support in ensuring £54 million in funding is obtained and feedback on the business case is received.
Shropshire Council submitted the business case to the Government in December, which outlines the authority’s position on the need for the road, which would link the planned Oxon Link Road with Battlefield.
The council hoped to receive a response by April 1, but Mr Kawczynski said no definitive answer has been given.
He said: "So far all feedback I have received is that this is one of many schemes and no definitive response is forthcoming."
Mr Kawczynski added that there has been a "significant increase" in house building in the town in recent years, which is expected to continue "for the foreseeable future".
He said: "For a small town it can already take almost an hour to cross the town due to the heavy congestion.
"This is a clear inpediment to the economic development of our town and a vital relief road is essential for Shrewsbury's prosperity."
Between 2007 and 2017 3,361 new homes were built in Shrewsbury and consent has been granted for a further 2,848, Mr Kawczynski says in the letter.
He added that Shropshire Council has allocated land in the current local plan with capacity for a further 1,398 homes.
The authority's local plan proposals suggest more than 3,000 extra homes will be needed.
Mr Kawczynski ended the letter by saying: "This is the single most important issue to me as the local representative and I am appealing to you directly to ask for your intervention and support in ensuring we receive feedback on the business case and secure the funding to start construction."
The news comes just weeks after Shropshire Council wrote to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling warning that the bid for the road may be withdrawn if Government funding is not agreed soon.
Shropshire Council will contribute almost £17 million towards the £70 million plan, and any costs that run over that amount.
In order to meet the prescribed timetable for getting government funding, the programme has been designed to move through the design, planning and construction at some pace, the letter adds. The success of the programme had been based on it being ‘in delivery’ from April 1.
