YES to Junction 18A - NO to the Eastern Option

I would like to thank everyone in who took the time to respond to Council's public consultation, regarding the Junction 18A proposals.

Having reviewed all of our comments and submissions, the Council has now published the results of their feasibility study, and have made clear that the Western option, at Emersons Green, is the preferred location for the new M4 junction.

As a result of our community’s incredible response to the consultation, the local authority will be making recommendations to Highways England that the most viable and appropriate site for the Junction 18A is at Emersons Green. Not only will this location bring over five and a half thousand new jobs to the area, it is expected to help generate a huge £449 million to the UK economy.

I was pleased to have been able to make a formal submission to the Council's consultation, as well as launching a joint petition with MP, in which we secured over 2,000 signatories.

Moving forward, the decision lies with Highways England. Our job is to continue making the case that Pucklechurch cannot be considered as a site for the Junction 18A, and ensure that the Council's findings are upheld.

Meeting with the Transport Secretary

I previously met with the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, and alongside Chris Skidmore MP called for the Department for Transport to reject the Eastern option, and withdraw all Government support and funding for the project, should the Eastern Proposals be chosen by England’s Highways Agency.

As a community, we need to continue keeping up the momentum in our fight against this proposal, and as our local MP I will absolutely be doing all I can to ensure this is the case.

Assurances from Jesse Norman MP

Following an exchange in Parliament with Jesse Norman MP, I asked for clarification regarding his comments about the Junction 18A project and the impact this would have on housing in South Gloucestershire.

I have received a positive and reassuring response, in which the Minister explained he was referring to the continuing growth of Lyde Green development. Furthermore, the Minister stated that Highways England have noted our concerns over the Eastern option.

I am pleased to have mounted such a serious and effective challenge against this inappropriate proposal.

Raising concerns with Highways England

I have urgently spoken with Highways England in Parliament, and together with Chris Skidmore MP, reiterated our calls to halt the Junction 18A project, should the proposals for Pucklechurch be adopted.

It is simply unacceptable that Pucklechurch has been suggested as potential site, and am relieved that this has been reflected in South Gloucestershire Council's findings, which have now been published.

I am extremely grateful for all the support I have received from local residents, in the fight against the inappropriate Eastern option.

We would have not been able to make such incredible progress without the sheer energy of local residents and commitment of Pucklechurch Parish Council.

We still have some work to do, and please be assured that as our local MP I will continue to work alongside residents in opposing the destruction of our precious greenbelt and to see a junction only where it is needed, at Emersons Green.

As ever, thank you for taking the time to read this e-bulletin. I fully appreciate the importance of this issue and am committed to ensuring that the Eastern option progresses no further.

If I can ever be of any further assistance as your local MP then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

With my very best wishes,

Luke

Luke Hall MP Member of Parliament for Thornbury, , and the surrounding towns and villages