From the Middlewich Guardian - http://www.middlewichguardian.co.uk/news/14665730.Share_of___4m_allocated_to_develop_Middlewich_eastern_bypass_plans/
Share of £4m allocated to develop Middlewich eastern bypass
plans
Ned Bristow, Reporter / @nedbristow
THE new Transport Secretary has given the go-ahead for
Cheshire East Council to develop its plans for the Middlewich eastern bypass.
In his first official visit to the north west, Chris
Grayling confirmed that he is making the bypass one of four priority projects,
with access to a share of £4 million of Government money to build its case.
The borough council, along with Cheshire and Warrington
Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), will now have until next spring to prepare
a business case to put before the Government.
Mr Grayling said: “I am committed to improving people’s
journeys across the country and schemes like this will help people get around
and get on.
“We are giving this scheme in Middlewich development funding
so more detailed plans can be put in place for a new bypass, which could boost
the economy and spread prosperity across the area.”
The eastern bypass is one of just four schemes selected from
17, with Cheshire East Council in line to receive a one-off £1.25 million
grant.
The business case is expected to be completed within the
next nine months, at which point the Government will decide whether the scheme
should go ahead.
Cheshire East Council Leader Rachel Bailey said: “This is
fantastic news to receive.
“It enables us to complete a process for proving the
business case for the delivery of a much-needed bypass in Middlewich and we
intend to press ahead with this at the earliest opportunity.
“Our aim will be to meet with the approval of residents and
businesses, and secure the capital finance needed to deliver the project.
“This is a result of strong partnership working involving
the constituency MP Fiona Bruce, local ward members and the Cheshire and
Warrington Enterprise Partnership.
“It has also come at an opportune moment as we launch our
traffic and travel consultation with the residents and businesses of Middlewich
to get their views on the town’s transport needs."
Middlewich MP Fiona Bruce, who has been a heavily-involved
supporter of the bypass both within the town and on a national stage, added
that the Government had listened to Middlewich's vocal residents.
She said: "I am delighted that we have been able to
secure this Government funding.
"Middlewich has been waiting too long for a bypass,
deserves this investment and local residents can be assured of my continued
determination to keep fighting for the bypass for the town until we see its
completion.”
Residents have been waiting and campaigning for the bypass
for decades, and the need has only increased due to growing traffic issues and
almost 2000 new homes potentially on the horizon.
As well as alleviating congestion, the bypass would unlock
more commercial land in Pochin Way.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The fund is
highly competitive and only the highest performing schemes that will give the
biggest boost to the economy and help people and businesses succeed will
receive funding.”
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From Signal Radio - http://www.signal2.co.uk/news/local-news/mp-delighted-1-25m-funding-secured-for-middlewich-bypass/
MP delighted £1.25m funding secured for Middlewich bypass
Saturday, August 6th, 2016 1:25pm
MP Fiona Bruce has secured £1,257,000 of Government funding
to help build the business case for the much needed Middlewich bypass as part
of the Government’s Large Local Major Schemes programme.
The Member of Parliament has been campaigning on this on behalf
of Middlewich residents both locally and in Parliament almost since her
election in 2010.
She said: "I am delighted that, following meetings with
Government Ministers and representations in Parliament, and working together
with Cheshire East Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership, we have been
able to secure this Government funding.
"The decision by Government Ministers should give
everyone locally confidence that National Government has listened to, heard and
understood the very real need for a bypass for the people of Middlewich. I hope
that this funding to help develop a detailed business case will ensure that a
firm plan and construction timeline is set in place.
"Middlewich has been waiting too long for a bypass,and
deserves this investment. Local residents can be assured of my continued
determination to keep fighting for the bypass for the town until we see its
completion."
Cheshire East Council Leader Rachel Bailey said: “This is
fantastic news to receive. “It enables us to complete a process for proving the
business case for the delivery of a much-needed bypass in Middlewich and we
intend to press ahead with this at the earliest opportunity.
“Our aim will be to meet with the approval of residents and
businesses, and secure the capital finance needed to deliver the project.
“This is a result of strong partnership working involving
the constituency MP Fiona Bruce, local ward members and the Cheshire and
Warrington Enterprise Partnership.
“It has also come at an opportune moment as we launch our
traffic and travel consultation with the residents and businesses of Middlewich
to get their views on the town’s transport needs.
“This Council is working hard to deliver a solution to the
traffic problems in Middlewich and, whilst we recognise a bypass is only part
of the answer, the news today is a major step forward.”
