Al/M1 link well-supported
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LOCAL AUTHORITIES, trades unions and the British Road Federation have combined forces to support the Department of Transport's plans for an A1/M1 link in the East Midlands.
They were planning to give evidence at the public inquiry into the 45-mile two-lane dual carriageway from junction 19 of the M1 to the A14 near Huntingdon, and for a three-mile single carriageway Kettering northern by-pass. The inquiry was to start this week.
Conservative-controlled Daventry District Council is the only local authority in the region which opposes the DTp's preferred "green" route, and there is particular enthusiasm for the scheme from Northamptonshire County Council and Corby District Council which are keen to continue the economic regeneration of Corby.
Speaking last week, BRF director David Gent said that the "green" route would provide environmental relief and would involve no demolition of houses. None of the alternative schemes would achieve the same effect, nor would they permit a lorry to run from the West Midlands to Felixstowe and back within an eight—hour day.
He said that lobbying against the A1/M1 link by landowners affected by the proposals had been given "undue emphasis" in the past.
Objectors are concerned about the road running close to the Civil War battle site at Na seby, but Northamptonshire leader Councillor Jimmy Kane said: "While I respect historical things. I have much more respect for the living than the dead."
He said he believed that the "green" route proposals are in the best interests of the people of Northamptonshire and of the rest of the country, that fuel and pollution would be saved, and that lives would be saved. According to the BRF, between 134 and 177 deaths would be prevented over the next 30 years if the road scheme is implemented.
The local authorities in favour of the scheme believe they have the support of industrialists, road hauliers and factory workers in the region, and they have scored some success by getting the general secretaries of three major trades unions to write to the inquiry inspector, supporting the scheme.
The Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers' Gavin Laird, the Transport and General Workers Union's Moss Evans, Bill Sirs of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation said that the lack of a first class A1/M1 link had discouraged investment and inhibited the prosperity of the region.
• The BRF is pressing for the DTp to adopt an outer route for Great Yarmouth's southern bypass, rather than the inner route it is supporting at present.
In the BRF's view, only an outer route will provide full environmental relief and meet future as well as present needs.
• Cornwall and Devon MPs are being lobbied by the BRF to seek progress on schemes to improve the A39 between Barnstaple and the A30. In particular, it wants definite starting dates for the by-passes at Wadebridge and Camelford.