HC Deb 05 July 1978 vol 953 c449
17. Mr. Michael Spicer

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the proposed timetable for the construction of the bypass around Evesham.

Mr. Horam

I am pleased to announce that the Evesham bypass has now been added to the trunk road preparation pool, together with three associated schemes to improve existing roads and provide local bypasses. These are Ash-church to Evesham, Evesham to Alcester, and Alcester to Gorcott Hill. First priority will be given to the Evesham bypass.

Mr. Spicer

May I express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for that reply? Since the M5 is now appallingly over-congested, and improvements are needed on the A435, what is the next step now, so that perhaps the Leitch Committee average lead time of 10 years can be substantially reduced and we can get on with building this bypass, for which the citizens of Evesham have been waiting about 40 years?

Mr. Horam

The next step will be public consultation. However, I take the hon. Member's point. In talking to the county council we are considering how we can minimise the time taken, especially since in this case there may turn out to be only one feasible alternative for the route.