No commitment to relief road funding in MP meeting

Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley met with transport minister Lilian Greenwood

A government minister has told Shrewsbury's MP that funding for a controversial bypass is not currently guaranteed, and remains under review.

Transport minister Lilian Greenwood met Julia Buckley to discuss the North West Relief Road (NWRR), as Shropshire Council puts together a formal business case and costings for the project.

A minister in the former Conservative government had promised to underwrite the full cost, which is expected to rise sharply from the initial £80m estimate.

Council leader Lezley Picton has urged the MP to push the case for the scheme

The NWRR would connect Churncote Island on the A5 to the west of the town to the A528 Ellesmere Road in the north, completing an A-road circuit of Shrewsbury.

The scheme has been under consideration for decades. The previous section of bypass, the Battlefield Relief Road, opened 25 years ago in 1999.

The remaining section has been strongly opposed by environmental groups, citing loss of veteran trees and habitat, and Environment Agency concerns over water quality.

The road would include a new crossing of the River Severn, reducing reliance on routes in the town centre and easing traffic in some villages and country lanes.

Labour MP Buckley, who campaigned at the general election for the money to be spent on other local transport schemes, said the meeting with the minister was "productive".

"I explained that our residents need certainty on whether we are getting the road or not," she said.

"The Minister confirmed the NWRR is currently under review as part of the low-value project review, and not currently guaranteed."

Many projects are being reviewed or scrapped as the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, prepares her first budget on 30 October.

'Significant benefits'

Conservative-controlled Shropshire Council remains keen for the road to go ahead, pointing out that it would open up land for housebuilding and economic growth - also key priorities for the government.

The authority also believes it would ease traffic, both in the town centre and in villages and lanes to the north-west of Shrewsbury which are currently used as "rat-runs".

A full business case finalising costs for the project is set to be brought to the council by Christmas before being submitted to the Department for Transport.

“We are clear that Shrewsbury North West Relief Road will... meet the government’s agenda for growth while delivering significant benefits for local people,” said Ms Picton.

“The minister is suggesting that a review is under way of all schemes, but she has also confirmed that this is a low-value scheme (ie, not that expensive).

“We would urge Julia Buckley MP to emphasise the clear case for this vital local investment.”

This report includes material from the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.