Completion of Bypass an Essential Feature of our Drive to Help Foster Growth in Local Economy

I wrote recently in the Times and Citizen newspaper about the exciting news on the final phase of the western bypass, for which the funding package is now in place. The remaining obstacle surrounds land ownership, and the refusal of one landowner to sell land long-established as an identified section of this route for the purposes of this essential road. We can overcome this, however, using compulsory purchase powers, and will keep working to ensure the road is delivered as soon as possible. It is a crucial element of our ongoing drive to help foster growth and boost employment opportunities for residents. I touched on this point in my Times and Citizen article, which I have reproduced here for those who missed it:

I am delighted to be able to deliver some exciting news on the Bedford Western Bypass. With the section between the A421 and A428 to the west of Bedford completed and in use, I have been working to ensure 'phase 2' linking the A428 at Biddenham with the A6 at Clapham is delivered as soon as possible. There are two key parts to the process of getting the project off the ground. The first is getting the funding together, and I am now able to announce that through hard work and close contact with landowners and Government agencies, we have lined up the funding for the scheme. This is a major step forward in delivering this vital project for the Borough.

The second aspect is the use of the land, and here, unfortunately, progress has been blocked by one particular landowner on the route who has taken an obstructive approach. I will not allow this approach to block such an important scheme for the future of Bedford Borough, however, and can confirm that I intend to use compulsory purchase powers to secure the land. This will remove the final major obstacle to the building of the road.

There is overwhelming public support for the scheme, which will cut congestion, improve air quality in the town and help provide lasting growth in the local economy. Completion of the bypass will mean all north-south traffic on the A6 will be able to bypass the town centre, while its completion will also mean all traffic from both east and west of Bedford can head to the south or north without adding to the traffic passing through town. The incentive to move as quickly as possible to deliver this exciting scheme is clear, and we will continue to drive it forward as swiftly as possible.

These are difficult economic times, and we must do all we can to help foster growth in the local economy, supporting existing businesses and encouraging new investment and new jobs locally. The delivery of a complete bypass, in addition to the obvious benefits it will bring for the local environment and congestion on our roads, will serve as a major boost in this effort.