High Peak MP hits out against Mottram bypass opposition
Conservative MP for the Conservative High Peak Party Robert Largan has voiced his concerns
The Mottram bypass has been rejected by the Glossop Labour Party group, after concerns about the scheme.
They are waiting for more information from Highways England about the impact of the line, and have also committed to donating a sum of money to block the bypass from being built. One of their concerns was that it might not be able to live up to it's promises and solve issues like excessive traffic in areas such as Twintwistle and Glossop which are severely congested.
The idea for the line which would connect Manchester and Sheffield more easily is that it would benefit drivers and local people living in areas like Glossop. It has been an ongoing project for over 50 years.
Funding of £242 million was recently secured, after much lobbying from local residents and the local political parties.
Robert Largan opposes criticism
One of the goals which has motivated campaigners is the aim to reduce the amount of pollution caused by the amount of cars passing through. Conservative MP for the High Peak group Robert Largan has hit out at Glossop Labour party; rejecting claims that the scheme would not work. He said:
"The studies show that the bypass would help air quality because of Mottram being completely gridlocked every rush hour with lots of congestions and standing traffic; we'd actually have faster flowing roads which would help air quality in the local area."
"This really has come out of the blue, and it's a big shock; particularly as it's been consensus from all political parties that the bypass needs to be built."
"It's taken an awful lot of lobbying; Ministers have been brought up to look at Glossop and Mottram first hand. And that's why it's been so surprising that we've seen this huge U-turn, and I'm not really sure what to make of it."
"A lot of this comes down to internal squabbles amongst Labour members, and I note that no Labour Councillors since that motion has passed have come out and said they agree with it. They've been asked their own views on it and there's been nothing but tumbleweed."