Shrewsbury MP pushes for North West Relief Road in Commons
Shrewsbury's MP has asked the minister for transport what steps he is taking to ensure the North West Relief Road scheme is "looked on favourably".
Daniel Kawczynski asked Jesse Norman in the House of Commons what steps his department is taking to improve the condition of local roads.
Mr Norman replied: "The department published its latest statistics of road conditions in England. That shows that local road conditions are improving but there is still much to do which is why the Government has committed record levels of investment of over £6 billion towards highways maintenance until 2021 as well as having an action fund to combat potholes totalling £296 million."
Mr Kawzynski then asked: "Shropshire Council has submitted a very effective business case for the funding for the North West Relief Road in Shrewsbury, which is the final bit of the circular road around our town.
"What steps is he taking to ensure that the scheme is looked upon favourably?"
Mr Norman said the funding bid is being "actively and currently considered".
He said: "I'm absolutely aware of that, and my honourable friend has been a tireless campaigner for this road over the years and I can reassure him that we recognise the concern that he indicates.
"The department has received the funding bid for the Shrewsbury North West Relief Road and it is being actively and currently considered."
Shropshire Council and Mr Kawczynski are asking for £54 million in Government funding for the road, while the council will contribute £17 million and any overspend.
The idea is for the road to link the planned Oxon Link Road with Battlefield.
Mr Kawczynski added: "We are expecting a decision later on in the summer, about July time, for the first group of road schemes.
"We are pushing very hard with Shropshire Council to make sure we secure the much-required funding for the road."
