items tagged with Transport

MP for Alton, Bill Cash attended a meeting of Alton Parish Council on Monday 3rd August to discuss their concerns, particularly relating to traffic generated by Alton Towers and the safety of those who live in Alton. In particular, the Parish Council are strongly urging for the provision of pedestrian crossings within the village – both at the top of the village on Uttoxeter Road and also in the centre of the village at Smithy Bank.

 

Bill Cash said that he would take the matter up with the Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Philip Atkins, which he did yesterday at County Hall. He urged upon the new County Council that they should engage, as the old County Council did not, with Alton Parish Council to deal with the specific traffic problems that they experience.

 

Following the meeting, Bill Cash has also written to Severn Trent regarding the problems of raw sewage which is coming on to the road and bicycle tracks in time of heavy rain or flooding and which is causing a health hazard for the general population and the young people who come to Alton Castle for holiday periods.

Press release 01/12/09

 

In respond to constituent calls for the X1 Bakerbus service to return their route to Stafford Station, Bill Cash said:

 

“It is clear from Staffordshire County Council’s view that Bakerbus once received a payment from London Midland trains to cover the costs of the extension of the X1 bus service from Stafford Hospital to Stafford station. Their letter states that when Stone gained its regular rail service, the funding ceased and Bakerbus therefore withdrew the service that went all the way to Stafford Station.

 

“I have therefore asked the Managing Director of London Midland to investigate the situation and see if anything can be done relating to the payment to Bakerbus which allowed the Service X1 bus service to run through to Stafford Station.”

 

Following calls from constituents for the extension of the noise barrier fencing along the A50, and Mr. Cash’s correspondence with Connect, as contracted by the Highways Agency to carry out works, Bill Cash said:

 

“I have received correspondence from the contractor, Connect A50 Limited, involved in the works on noise fencing along the A50.

 

“Although it is clear that the Government and Highways Agency are still to let us know their decision on noise barrier fencing at Blythe Bridge, and the letter from Connect A50 refers to funding constraints, the contractor has made it clear to me that since they have recently completed the replacement works, they do have contractors in place who have knowledge of the location and constraints of the work required and that they would be pleased to work with the Highways Agency to do this additional work.

 

“There are obvious and practical reasons for the extension to go ahead. We now need the Government and Highways Agency's approval for us to go ahead with the A50 extension of sound barrier fencing, which I should point out, was initially promised to those residents anyway.”

 

“I continue to strongly support my constituents who want the installation of the new sound barrier fencing to be extended to include their properties within 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.”

 

Following a fatality of a young man on the rail track in March this year and serious concerns raised by constituents, Bill Cash MP has received a brief letter today from a Minister at the Department of Transport, Paul Clark MP.

 

Cash said “The brief letter makes clear that whilst it is London Midland’s responsibility to resolve the matter of fencing at the stations, the Department of Transport has asked that they urgently take action on this matter.”

 

“This follows a number of meetings with local constituents, and also with Network Rail officials at the scene of a level crossing.

 

“My most recent correspondence with Network Rail demonstrated that both they and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Railways were willing to push for fencing but needed approval from the Department of Transport. What more approval can they need than a signed ministerial letter to me, asking that London Midland urgently take action to resolve this issue?

 

“I expect this to be done as soon as possible, as there has already been considerable delay in ensuring safety fencing alongside Barlaston and Wedgwood Stations and the surrounding vicinity up to the level crossing.”