KEETCH URGES 'JOINT APPROACH' OVER THE FUTURE OF THE ROTHERWAS ACCESS ROAD

12.59.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Jun 2006

Paul Keetch MP and local campiagner Aubrey Oliver on the Holme Lacy Road

Following a recent parliamentary question to the Transport Secretary, Douglas Alexander MP, over the future funding for the Rotherwas Access Road, Hereford MP, Paul Keetch is urging that a 'joint approach' be adopted between Herefordshire Council and local businesses to secure the project.

Mr Keetch was pursuing an answer to an earlier question on when a decision would be taken on funding the much needed access road, south of the City, when it had been suggested that a decision would be taken in Spring 2006. It has now transpired that the decision has been delayed whilst the Herefordshire Council's business case is further deliberated and the decision will now be taken later in the year.

Commenting on the situation, Mr Keetch said:

"It is quite clear that Rotherwas Access Road is slipping down the priority list for major transport schemes in the region.

"The Transport Minister, Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, informed me in February that a decision would be made in the Spring, but now it seems that no announcement will be made until later in the year when Herefordshire Council's business case and economic viability for the project is carefully considered.

"If we are going to put forward a successful bid for funding, it is essential that we all work together - better lobbying of Government is crucial. We only need to look at Herefordshire Council's botched bid in 2004, to realise that it is vital that we adopt a joint approach with local businesses to secure funding. I am willing to work jointly to ensure that the city's infrastructure is improved and that further bids do not fail." Mr Keetch added.