§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the objections received to the orders for the de-trunking of the A40 through Cheltenham. [2538]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThere are 32 outstanding letters of objection to the draft order to de-trunk the A40 through Cheltenham and to trunk the A436 from the A40 at Shipton Solers to the A417 at Air Ballon roundabout. All object to the trunking of the A436. The objections mainly concern: the unsuitability of the A436 to take extra traffic; the need for improvements to be carried out to the A436; the effects of more traffic using the unimproved A417 at Crickley Hill and congestion at Air Balloon roundabout.
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce whether there will be a public inquiry into the de-trunking of the A40 through Cheltenham. [2539]
§ Ms JacksonThe Department is at present considering objections received following the publication of a draft order to de-trunk the A40 through Cheltenham and to trunk the A436 from the A40 at Shipton Solers to the A417 at Air Balloon roundabout. Until this process is complete I cannot predict whether a public inquiry will be necessary. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.