St.Helens Council

Richard Knight Chief Executive’s Office Peel Dome Town Hall City Victoria Square St.Helens M17 8PL WA10 1HP

Contact: Mr H Catherall [email protected] Tel: 01744 676100 5th March 2020 Our ref: HC/CE Your ref: Dear Richard,

Re: Junction 23 Study

Further to our recent meeting, we discussed the status and actions going forward in relation to the study undertaken into the future of Junction 23 of the M6. As you know, the study has been funded by St Helens Council, Wigan Council and Highways England.

It is anticipated that we will make the final study public in the spring. Following this, the Council will be in a position to promote the preferred solution for funding with a view to delivering the scheme in conjunction with its partners. It is likely that this will involve discussions with parties such as the combined authorities in the City Region and Greater Manchester, Transport for the North and Highways England.

However, in advance of the formal promotion I can confirm we have shared the preferred solution with Partners and potential Developers in order to influence their approach towards delivery of the preferred solution and I am pleased that you have taken this on board albeit the detail will be subject for further discussions with Planning and Highways colleagues.

As agreed I will make sure the new Chief Executive is fully updated on your proposals and the new Executive Director for Place Services, Lisa Harris, will also be brief ahead of her start date late April, as she will also take a leadership role in this area.

Meanwhile your key contact is Melanie Hale, Service Manager – Development

I hope this confirms the Council’s position.

Best wishes

Interim Chief Executive

www.sthelens.gov.uk