Western Bypass Final Section to Go Ahead as Mayor Dave Hodgson Announces Compulsory Purchase Plan

The building of the vital 'missing link' of Bedford's Western Bypass is set to go ahead after Liberal Democrat Mayor Dave Hodgson announced that he will use Compulsory Purchase Order powers to overcome the remaining barrier to the project. Mayor Dave has made clear that, with negotiations amongst those with landholdings on the bypass route being thwarted by one landowner, he will take whatever action is necessary to ensure the building of the much-needed bypass. Council officers are now working on a report to enable the Mayor to make a formal decision on the matter. The final section of the bypass will complete a road link all the way from the A421 to the south of Bedford to the A6 to the north of the town.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The completion of the western bypass is essential, and in spite of the obstructive approach of one landowner, we will not only make sure it goes ahead, but also that it happens as soon as possible. The bypass is a priority for the Borough, with overwhelming local support for the scheme in order to cut congestion, improve air quality in the town and to help provide lasting growth in the local economy. I am therefore not prepared to tolerate a landowner acting as a roadblock to this essential project. We have worked to identify the money for the scheme, and we are at a point whereby I am certain the funding will be in place. Other barriers to progress on the project remain, however, and if compulsory purchase of land is what is required, that is what we will do."

Phase one of the bypass, between the A421 and A428 to the west of Bedford, was completed last year. With funding sources identified for the crucial final section linking the A428 at Biddenham with the A6 at Clapham, Mayor Dave Hodgson has declared that Bedford Borough will not be 'held to ransom' by a landowner refusing to relinquish land required for the project.

Dave Hodgson continued: "In order to enable me to make a formal decision on this matter, I have instructed officers to prepare a report setting out the options for making progress on the bypass. These options will include the use of a compulsory purchase order, which I intend us to use to allow us to press on with this exciting development for the future of Bedford. I consider progress on the bypass to be urgent, and I will not allow Bedford Borough to be held to ransom as we go about it."

There are three parties which own land required for this section of the bypass including Bedford Borough Council, with one of the other two refusing to sell their land for the much-needed new link. Public authorities, including local councils, are empowered under the law to acquire land compulsorily for purposes including local road schemes. The report being prepared by Council officers on options for progress on the Western Bypass phase two scheme will be completed in November.