Road is going nowhere

25 March 2009

National Park campaigners are today celebrating news that plans to build the controversial A628 Mottram-Tintwistle bypass (1) have finally been withdrawn.
 
The scheme had been plagued by substantial cost escalations and if it had gone ahead would have carved up the magnificent Dark Peak landscape of Longdendale.
 
Rumours that it was all over for the £315 million bypass came in February when council leaders in the North West decided to postpone funding beyond 2015. Now the Highways Agency has withdrawn from the long-running and troubled public inquiry, putting an end to current plans.
 
“This was the only big road scheme threatening immense damage to a National Park, so the Highways Agency has done the right thing!” said Ruth Chambers, Acting Chief Executive of the Campaign for National Parks.  “Public confidence in the Agency’s plans and the inquiry process had sunk to an all-time low and the Agency’s decision to withdraw from the inquiry is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start.”
 
Local people and groups including Friends of the Peak District (2) and the Campaign for National Parks (3) have battled against the bypass for over thirty years, as well as calling for better alternatives to be looked at properly.
 
Although it is possible that the Highways Agency could submit new proposals for a similar scheme in the future, for the time being campaigners are relishing the victory.
 
“This is fantastic news. Now we can press for a sensible and sustainable transport scheme for the valley. A whole package of measures – including a lorry ban, better public transport and pleasant walking and cycling routes – would be cheaper and better for the environment,” said Anne Robinson, transport campaigner with Friends of the Peak District.
 
Notes for editors
 
(1) Schemes to upgrade the A628 Woodhead Pass have been in development for over 30 years. The current scheme to bypass Mottram and Tintwistle would have destroyed part of the Manchester Green Belt and part of the Peak District National Park. It would have generated extra road traffic and carbon emissions, and increased calls for a new Woodhead motorway. The public inquiry was indefinitely postponed since December 2007. Friends of the Peak District and the Campaign for National Parks are part of an alliance of environmental groups campaigning for a sustainable solution to traffic problems in the area. For more information go to the campaigns pages of www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk
 
(2) Friends of the Peak District campaigns for a living, working Peak District that changes with the times, but remains beautiful forever. It is managed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England Peak District and South Yorkshire. More information at www.friendsofthepeak.co.uk
 
(3) The Campaign for National Parks is the national charity that campaigns to protect and promote National Parks for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of all. Visit www.cnp.org.uk

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222