items tagged with Blythe Bridge

 

In response to the news that the A50 noise barrier will not be extended fully across Blythe Bridge, Bill Cash MP said:

 

“It is improper for the Highways Agency to have written to Blythe Bridge residents informing them that an improved noise barrier would be installed, only for many residents to later find out it does not include them at all. Many have now been left in a position whereby they have no noise protection and they are forced to put up with the constant noise from the A50.

 

“I support my constituents who want the installation of the new sound barrier fencing alongside their road to be extended to include their properties in Chartley Close, Sutherland Crescent, Meadow Close and neighbouring roads in Blythe Bridge.

 

“There has been immense distress caused to many who have discovered that the insulated fencing that has been installed part way along the A50 will not be continued past their properties. I have written to the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency and also given him a petition on behalf of many local Blythe Bridge residents demanding that the sound barrier fencing be extended to include their properties.”

Yesterday evening at a packed meeting of about 150 people, at Forsbrook Village Hall, Bill Cash MP chaired a meeting, joined by County Councillor Ian Parry, to demonstrate the local concerns about the A50. At a vociferous meeting, the Highways Agency faced a barrage of questions and deep public dissatisfaction with the way in which they have handled the A50 fences which have not been completed or did not work properly.

 

It remains the case that the road surface, with massive lorries and ever-increasing traffic gave rise to such noise that many people in the room could not sleep at night and had to retreat into their back bedrooms. Many could not sit out in their gardens, have barbeques or any peace and quiet.

 

Bill Cash cross-examined the Highways Agency who claimed that this was down to the Labour Staffordshire County Council in the 1970s. It was pointed out that much had happened since then and money had to be spent on solving the problem – not talking about theoretical issues. There is a massive noise interference which has to be dealt with. 

 

Bill Cash asked the Highways Agency why the official documentation designated the A50 in this area as “low priority” whereas other areas less affected were given higher priority. He asked on whose advice the low priority status had been given but was told by the Highways Agency that they had contributed to that advice, which Bill Cash condemned and asked for full details on that advice and the criteria which had been applied. A petition was circulated at Bill Cash’s suggestion and he will raise the issue in Parliament with a parliamentary petition, once all the names are in. 

 

The meeting lasted two hours.

 

Against the background of Stafford Borough Council’s consideration of the extension of the Trinity Medical Centre (Uttoxeter Road) in Blythe Bridge, Bill Cash MP said:

 

“I have written to Stafford Borough Council in support of this application and demanded that the extensions go ahead at Trinity Medical Centre. I supported the original building of this Medical Centre which serves the population of Blythe Bridge and the surrounding areas.

 

“Since its opening, the Medical Centre has seen its list size increase from 2,500 to 4,200 and that number continues to rise and a wider area is now being served.

 

“Because of the hard work done here, it even reduces waiting times at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

 

“The application to build two extra rooms would further improve patient care – one room is to be used to train medical students and another would be used by clinicians.”