Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin today said he would back a feasibility study into a new junction on the M4 near Bristol after meeting supporters in the city.
Supporters of the Gateway2Growth campaign, which was formally launched last Friday, met the minister at Bristol and Bath Science Park.
The action group says Junction 18A would provide greater access to Emersons Green’s business parks and the Science Park, which it says are vital to the economic growth of east and north Bristol. Yet the roads are often congested as traffic is forced back towards the M32 and M4 junction 19.
Today’s visit follows a question in the Commons last week by Kingswood Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) Chris Skidmore at Prime Minister’s Questions when he brought the campaign to the attention of David Camerson.
Mr Cameron said he believed the area required new transport infrastructure and that he would make sure the Transport Secretary looked into the campaign.
The campaign has already received support from the local Labour Party and Conservatives. During the visit Mr McLoughlin committed to reviewing a feasibility study into the new junction being conducted by South Gloucestershire Council once it is completed.
As well as the Science Park, the area is home to major businesses and organisations such as the National Composites Centre, Airbus and Sainsbury’s distribution depot.
He also met local business supporters, including the National Composites Centre and representatives of Business West.
Adam Ward, who is in charge of managing and developing the Science Park, said: “I am delighted that the Prime Minister has delivered on his promise and that the Transport Secretary has been able to visit the area and see how the proposed new junction would benefit the area.
“I am pleased that other businesses and organisations were able to join me in making the case to the Transport Secretary today.”
James Durie, Executive Director of Bristol Chamber and Initiative at Business West, said: “Getting transport infrastructure right is vitally important to the long term prosperity and health of the Bristol, Bath and West of England Economy.
“Whilst technology and the needs and choices of business and individuals are fast changing the 18,000 members of Business West have long recognised the need for a new junction on the M4 catering for a fast growing residential and commercial population locally and across the city region. We therefore strongly support the creation of a new M4 junction at this point at the earliest opportunity as an important component of our transport system.”
Pictured, from left: Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlan meets campaigners including Adam Ward, Kingswood PPC Chris Skidmore and National Composites Centre CEO Peter Chivers
