Last month the Prime Minister announced the creation of a £900 million ‘Get Building Fund’ to kickstart shovel-ready projects across the length and breadth of the country. Today it has been announced that £10 million of that fund will be coming to Heywood and Middleton constituency to fund phase one of the South Heywood Link Road at Junction 19.
Speaking about the new funding commitment Heywood and Middleton MP, Chris Clarkson said: “I am glad to be able to confirm that I have secured one of the largest allocations from this fund for my constituency. Heywood and Middleton will now be benefitting from even more Government funding for this project that will bring new prosperity and opportunities to the local economy by making brownfield and existing industrial sites more viable. I have been speaking to Ministers about the special circumstances that surround this project and the positive impact that it can have on local people, jobs and infrastructure if delivered correctly.”
“I have spoken to many constituents who have daily worries about the increasing number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) which are using unsuitable, residential streets and putting their homes and families at risk. With this substantial Government funding to help progress the new Junction 19 link road many thousands of HGV movements every year will be given direct access to existing industrial zones, instantly easing pressure on nearby residential streets, especially those in Heywood and Birch.”
“Fewer HGVs in residential streets will also mean better air quality around the homes, schools and recreational spaces in this area. This is a really important health benefit for local people and one which can have an immediate impact on people’s lives and wellbeing.”
The new Junction 19 link road is proposed to connect the existing motorway network with Hareshill Road leading on to Pilsworth Industrial Estate and other logistics sites. The scheme is part of a broader plan of development for the area that has met with some objection from local greenbelt groups.
Chris added: “This funding is for phase one of the link road, which is an essential piece of infrastructure for existing commercial areas. I understand that there are still concerns about the use of additional areas of greenbelt land for industrial and housing development and these must be considered very carefully to ensure that we are delivering what is needed and right for the local economy without jeopardising the greenbelt.”
“As Andy Burnham and Rochdale’s Labour Council push forward with the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) and plans to develop greenbelt housing and industrial sites, I am continuing to work with local action groups to ensure that their concerns are heard both locally and at the highest levels of Government.”
