Cllr Joe Jackson discusses resident’s concerns about air quality
County Councillor Chris Lofts says: “Those who came to a public meeting to discuss Towcester’s relief road were left puzzled at what the Minister for Roads, was committing the government to. Nothing has been agreed. Like out of ‘Yes Minister’ his much heralded visit gave little more than a promise to have a meeting with his officials. The irony wasn’t lost on Towcester people either that the Minister arrived nearly an hour late because of traffic problems on the M1.”
Councillor Chris Lofts adds: “Liberal Democrats have been lobbying government to offer a loan to developers so the new road can be completed early. If this happens it will be welcomed by everyone. The developer’s planning commitment is to finish the road before the 1017th house is occupied. Developers plan for 200 to 250 or more houses a year.
What disappointed me was the admission that there has been no discussion with Northamptonshire Highways, or the Town Council. We need NCC involved so that the county council agrees to take responsibility for the existing road. Conservative run NCC is virtually bankrupt, so extra funds will need to be provided by government.”
Councillor Martin Johns says: “It’s welcome that the Minister came to Towcester but I’m concerned that he was so vague about details. He had to admit that government hadn’t even decided yet if the new single carriageway relief road would be classed as a trunk road.
The Minister admitted that the existing road through Towcester would only have, a difficult to enforce weight restriction to stop HGV’s continuing to come through the town. Lib Dems say what’s needed is a town centre improvement plan that will encourage visitors and shoppers but keep HGVs out from the town. A relief road with lots of roundabouts isn’t going to be attractive to HGVs drivers.”
Councillor Joe Jackson says: “Liberal Democrats continue to work with the Town Council, South Northants Council, Northamptonshire County Council and local people to pressure government to deliver a good scheme for Towcester and its villages.”