County Councillor Mike Maryon with Stafford residents Derek Hodgkiss and Peter Galpin

Last chance to have your say on Stafford's access route

Staffordshire's planning chiefs have extended the consultation period for public views on Stafford's western access route by another two weeks - now closing on Friday January 22.

The extra time will give residents from across the town the opportunity to study the plans in their full context and submit their views.

They can find out more by visiting the Stafford Western Access information pages.

Local county councillor and cabinet member Mark Winnington said this was only the first stage in a very thorough and open consultation process. He emphasised that it was not a done deal.

"We recognise that there are people with strong and diverse views about the future of transport in the town. There is a vigorous debate going on. We want everyone to have a chance to have their say.

"That's why we have published all the details on the web, put questionnaires out in the local free press to every household in Stafford, held public information days and distributed leaflets to libraries, shops and public buildings across Stafford.

"Anyone who wants a leaflet questionnaire can call the Highways Hotline on 0800 232323 and we will send one out to you.
"And what's more we are going to send a new leaflet to every household in Castlefields and Castletown; those areas most closely affected by the proposed new road," he said.

Councillor Winnington said the council is working hard to find transport solutions in the context of the Government's growth agenda.

"The Government has identified Stafford as a growth point for the West Midlands. It's a major administrative and retail centre. The draft regional spatial strategy requires another 8,000 houses in Stafford up to 2026.

"Growth brings with it new jobs and prosperity. But this will also place considerable strain on the transport infrastructure.

"Doing nothing would be the worst of all worlds. The western access route is a key part of a long term, balanced and integrated transport strategy, ensuring people can continue to get about their daily lives, and that business keeps on the move.

"Our work on this is ongoing - focusing on carefully managing traffic flows through junction improvements and encouraging more people to walk, cycle and use public transport.

"The western access route proposal is not a done deal. But this is an opportunity to secure Government funding. We need to submit the plans in a very challenging timeframe.

"If we don't respond on time this will severely limit the options available to us to tackle the consequences of going for growth. That would be irresponsible," he said.

Page Last Modified: 25/01/2010 16:07:27

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