Prime Minister urges transport bosses to 'get on' with building Eastleigh bypass
Plans have been in the pipeline for more than 40 years
The prime minister is urging transport bosses in Hampshire to get on and build a bypass in Eastleigh that's been talked about for more than 40 years.
Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes raised the issue of the Chicken Hall Lane road project during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday (November 30th).
The road would run from junction 5 of the M27 to Bishopstoke Road, north of Southampton Airport.
He asked for a meeting with Rishi Sunak over the proposals, which it's hoped will ease congestion in the town centre:
"The Chancellor right pointed out that levelling-up is for the whole of the United Kingdom.
"And as a Southampton man, my Right Honourable friend will know that since the 1970s Eastleigh has been promised the much needed Chicken Hall Lane bypass.
"So will he agree to meet me and the County Council to finally get this project moving?"
Mr Sunak responded:
"It's right that we spread opportunity across the country, including in Eastleigh and the South.
"I understand that it's for Hampshire County Council to bring forward the proposal for the bypass, which I hope they do at the next funding opportunity, and I'll ensure that my honourable friend and the council have a meeting with the Transport Minister as soon as possible."
The PM's answer was criticised by the Liberal Democrat leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Keith House, who said Rishi Sunak had said 'nothing' on the issue.
Those who have pushed the scheme say it would divert HGVs onto the motorway without having to go through the town centre.
It would also open up inaccessible areas for development.