Implement the Link Road Alternatives
Opponents of the controversial Heysham M6 Link road are convinced that their district is still worth fighting for, despite a green light from Minister Hazel Blears for the unpopular scheme. Local campaign group Transport Solutions for Lancaster and Morecambe (TSLM), are out to show the public how damaging and polluting the £160 million plan is, and why it is wrong for the local community and the district.
“After three years of campaigning we have gained a great deal of knowledge and experience”, says David Gate, chair of TSLM. “We know that construction will not start for another two years and in that time there will be many hurdles to clear for the monster road. There are many alternatives to road building: it’s a long list including improving the local public transport connections and investment in rail. We will be working alongside the lorry link’s many opponents to promote those measures and ensure that the monster road does not get built”
TSLM is taking legal advice, and rallying its supporters with a newsletter urging them to lobby their MP, the Department for Transport,sceptical local councillors and the media. “The angry response from the public to date has had a real impact, the authorities are concerned by the extent of the opposition”, says David.