Shropshire Star

Demands for a bypass in Wem sent to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling

A town in Shropshire is writing to transport minister Chris Grayling, demanding: “Give us a bypass.”

Published
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling

A new route to solve ongoing problems in Wem has been an aspiration for many years, according to its council.

Now its members have pledged to write to Mr Grayling demanding a slice of a nationwide multi billion-pound fund for local road improvements.

The possibility of funding was discussed by Wem Town Council, where councillors unanimously voted to write to the minister after he pledged new investment.

Penny O’Hagan, town council clerk, said: “We saw the government announcement and councillors agreed we should see what funds could become available for a relief road. It has been an aspiration for a number of years so they decided we should write to the minister.”

Town mayor Councillor Edward Towers said he will also be writing to North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson for support.

Last year an automatic number plate recognition traffic survey was carried out in Wem in response to the traffic problems.

It was conducted after concerns from local residents about the presence of large vehicles in Wem town centre, particularly in Mill Street and High Street.

Shropshire Council has been considering a list of solutions to ease problems.

These have included include creating a loading bay outside NatWest, reviewing HGV signs in the town and surrounding areas, looking into a lighting system similar to Much Wenlock, considering whether a one-way system is suitable, and looking at a relief road.

Wem Town Council’s approach is expected to be replicated by other towns in Shropshire where road improvements are needed.

Annoncing the government’s commitment to roads, Mr Grayling said: “Getting transport spending right is crucial for the country’s future. The transport investment strategy sets out a blueprint for how we can harness the power of transport investment to drive balanced economic growth, unlock new housing projects and support the government’s modern industrial strategy.

“This government is taking the big transport decisions for Britain’s future, like HS2 and Heathrow, while delivering the biggest investment in roads and rail for a generation. At the heart of our approach is a plan to make transport work for the people who use it.”

He said transport investment would drive growth in the UK.