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New bypass is on cards
HIGH PEAK MP Tom Levitt has expressed his delight that an amended plan for the Longdendale bypass has been adopted by Manchester's councils.
The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities has designated the reduced scheme as a local authority plan, rather than a national one.
Mr Levitt believes that means construction can begin within months."This will relieve congestion in Glossop and Tintwistle and bring jobs and prosperity to our area," he said. "I have been working closely with Tameside Council in the weeks since the planning enquiry collapsed.
"I pay tribute to the commitment and determination that Cllr Roy Oldham and his team have shown. Glossopdale, Hollingworth and Mottram will all be able to breathe cleaner air in future."
To reduce costs, the most controversial and costly element of the original scheme – to the north of Tintwistle – has been dropped. The two remaining elements, the Glossop Spur (from Brookfield to Mottram Moor) and the dual carriageway from Mottram Moor to the motorway have been retained.
As a result, the vast majority of the new road will be within Tameside boundaries, which is why the Council there is now taking the lead.
As the plan follows part of the original route, the missing element, which was opposed by the Peak District National Park Authority and environmental campaigners, could be added at a later date.
"This is a better solution than pushing for the full -blown plan. It is cheaper, quicker and more cost effective," said Mr Levitt. "It removes most of the controversial elements whilst achieving most of what supporters have been campaigning to achieve for so long."
Journey times in and out of Manchester would be reduced considerably and Glossop will become a more attractive place for businesses to invest.
Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council's Executive Leader Cllr Roy Oldham, said the AGMA meeting unanimously decided to support the reintroduction of the Longdendale Bypass (as amended) and the decision will now be sent to the North West Region for formal approval.
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Weather for Buxton
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
