Members of the opposition on Shropshire Council are urging a temporary halt to the construction of Shrewsbury’s contentious relief road until the new government confirms its commitment to funding the project.
The North West Relief Road (NWRR), a 7km road completing a full ring-road, received approval earlier this year, despite facing opposition. Additional capital funding of approximately £17m was then agreed upon to commence enabling works and complete the full business case, to be submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) later this year.
Liberal Democrat leader Roger Evans plans to present a motion to the council, proposing the suspension of construction work until the incoming government confirms full funding for the project. This call comes in light of the uncertainty surrounding the road’s financial backing.
Former Tory transport minister Guy Opperman had previously indicated that government financing remained a possibility, albeit contingent on the finalization of the scheme. Moreover, former transport secretary Mark Harper had seemingly assured in an interview last October that the government would finance the project to completion.
Despite these assurances, Mr. Evans highlighted the lack of written confirmation regarding the provision of additional funding. He further pointed out that government officers had declined to confirm any increase in funding for the North West Relief Road, despite repeated requests.
Acknowledging the change in government and the council’s delicate financial situation, the Liberal Democrat Group seeks the suspension of further expenditure on the relief road project until written confirmation of funding from the new government.
The motion, which is set to be presented before the Conservative-led council, advocates for a temporary cessation of all activities associated with the new road. The council is expected to deliberate on this matter during its meeting on 18 July.
In her inaugural treasury speech, new chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasised the government’s commitment to prioritising infrastructure projects as part of its efforts to rejuvenate construction activities in the country.
The news was obtained from the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which provides coverage of councils and various public service organisations.
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