16.1.06: Link road danger raised in Commons
MP Geraldine Smith is worried that the proposed new Heysham M6 Link road bridge over the River Lune at Halton will increase the existing danger of flooding of local properties. This concern emerged following a meeting with affected Halton residents. She raised the issue in parliament before Christmas with the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who promised to make his own inquiries. The Environment Agency are also worried, so much so, they have already commissioned a consulting firm to undertake a hydrological study of the river between Halton and Skerton weir at Lancaster.
The Environment Agency is also worried, so much so, they have already commissioned a consulting firm to undertake a hydrological study of the river between Halton and Skerton weir at Lancaster.
The main problem, revealed in e-mail from Lancashire County Council Environment Directorate to local county councillors, is that the piers in the river could cause a blockage between the piers and the bank. The planners in Preston are so concerned they have extended the consulting firm’s contract to look at the effect of the bridge in the river. If there is a problem the planners will have to redesign it to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency, incurring further time and cost.
These revelations come at a crucial time for the project as the County Council considers its own planning application to itself. If the Environment Agency is not happy with the scheme it has told the County Council that it will object.
“The County Council planners must be embarrassed and concerned by these developments. They have a major safety issue and, despite having already amended the design, they have not been able to satisfy the Environment Agency, and now their planning application has been made.” said David Gate, Chair of Transport Solutions for Lancaster and Morecambe (TSLM) the independent group who favour non damaging solutions to traffic problems. “The people of Halton will have enough environmental damage caused by this road to contend with without this threat.”
Local resident Mike Jacob said “Flooding is a very real problem in Halton, particularly now as new development is taking place near the river. We must also remember that the road exit from the motorway will cause increased congestion in our narrow streets.”
Mr Gate said “Lancashire County Council has already allocated £100,000 out of the Link road budget to pay the Environment Agency for ‘river enhancement’ work. As costs escalate, it would be interesting to know how much more will be spent on the consultants and the possible redesign of the bridge. The new bridge scheme will also alter the flow, disrupt the river bank and bed and change the water quality.”
“This is the latest problem for this controversial project and it further highlights the need for an independent public inquiry into the whole debacle. This month people are objecting to the planning application. They must also ensure that they write to the office of the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to demand the matter be called in for an independent public enquiry.”