22.05.05: Council kicked into touch at the Vale
Residents of Lancaster, Morecambe and the surrounding villages have been able to see vividly for the very first time just how great an impact the proposed Heysham M6 link road would have on their communities.
Artists Impression of Broadoak Corner, with Torrisholme Rd diverted alongside the raised link road
TSLM held a public exhibition on Tuesday May 17th 2005 at the Vale of Lune Rugby Club, Lancaster. It was a massive success. 540 people came and were horrified when they saw the artist’s impressions of the route, and a model of the road. “The Council only showed us plans; this shows us what the road will really be like” many remarked.
The proposed road will devastate the Green Belt land and residential areas between Halton at junction 34 of the M6 and Lancaster and Morecambe where it will emerge by the McDonald’s roundabout on Morecambe Road.
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The drawings show the 71ft long pedestrian underpass under the four lanes of traffic that will split the village of Torrisholme at Broadoak corner, the monstrous bridges over the railway and canal, and the 63 feet deep cuttings at Halton Road, Halton.
The people who attended the exhibition were also invited to “build” the road, using modelling materials resulting in a clear 3D representation of what the £85 million monster will look like.
Comments from the exhibition’s visitors included horror at the light pollution that will affect a far greater area than that of the immediate surroundings of the road as the street lights for the 70mph road would reach 10m (33ft) high into the sky. Others, who had not realised the impact and pollution the route would cause to so many people (there are 734 houses within just 300 metres of the road), were aghast.
TSLM displayed alternative solutions to local congestion. They included light rail, tram or trolley bus systems, alternatives that have been shown to work successfully in other parts of the UK. They showed government initiatives in travel planning, car clubs and tele-working, which had in places reduced congestion by 20%.
David Gate, chair of TSLM, said that Lancashire County Council had held its public exhibitions last week and showed only the planned road but no alternatives.
Mr Gate said: “What we are showing are alternatives to address the traffic problems of Lancaster and Morecambe without building a monstrous road but by following examples from other parts of the country. These are not pie in the sky alternatives.
“Most people who saw the county council exhibition were appalled by the road which has prompted many of them to visit our exhibition to see what the alternatives were. ”
“So many of our people have worked like heroes to get such a massive turnout, and to mount such attractive displays. I am amazed by the turn out and support. Many people have said what an interesting, informative and varied exhibition it is.”
“The atmosphere has been very welcoming and friendly. This campaign has got so many people involved, and really brought the community together.”
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