'Huge step forward' for A5 and A483 upgrade, says North Shropshire MP

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson today said he believes the announcement that the A5 and A483 have gone into advanced studies as part of the Government's investment strategy for beyond 2020 is the "best news" campaigners for dualling the roads have had in many years.

The news came via letter to Mr Paterson this week, from roads minister John Hayes.

Mr Hayes said the government is listening to the concerns of people who use the roads or live nearby, after a highways report found that congestion on the A5 north of Shrewsbury and A483 around Oswestry is worsening, impacting safety, economic growth and the environment.

Mr Paterson, who has campaigned for more than 20 years for improvements to the roads, described the announcement as a "huge step forward".

He said: "This is the best news we've had in years.

"These letters are usually very carefully worded, normally with some form of let out clause in them and yes, this particular letter has been carefully written but it's very clear that we're now in the running.

"In the past year we've had two ministers here, who have seen the roads for themselves and it's clear they are impressed by the arguments we've raised."

Now Mr Paterson is calling on businesses, organisations and individuals to send any information they have on the roads.

He said: "It's in everyone's hands now, there's only so much I can do.

"I want every single person, every single business, every organisation to comment on any bad experiences they've had.

"The time is now, it's crucial.

"That also applies to the Pant and Llanymynech side. We have to make the case for dualling this section of the A5 but also for a bypass in Pant and Llanymynech."

Consultation into the strategic roads network with run until early next year.

Long-time campaigner for a bypass in the two villages, Dilys Gaskill also welcomed the news.

Mrs Gaskill, chair of Llanymynech and Pant Parish Council said: "This is brilliant news, it's been a long time but we are certainly moving forward that's for sure.

"It's crucial we log every single incident because the road is not improving, only the other week there was an accident involving a pedestrian who was hit by a car in Llanymynech. Accidents like this can't carry on, we have to keep the pressure up."

Minister Mr Hayes was driven along the two roads and attended public meetings in Oswestry and Pant when he was invited to the area by Mr Paterson last month.