Green Party oppose transport development

6.51.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 3rd Oct 2008

Brian Watkins, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Norwich City Council, reacts to the Green Party's opposition to much needed transport improvements.

"I am disappointed, but not surprised by the Green Party's failure to support the campaign to dual the final stretch of the A11 at this week's City Council meeting.

"The Green Party were against the opening of Chapelfield Mall, they want to close Norwich Airport, and now they are against this vital transport development.

"Chapelfield created 2,000 jobs when it was opened in 2005 and the airport and associated businesses employ thousands; their importance to the local economy is undeniable. A Green City Council would make thousands unemployed and do untold damage to local economy vitality. The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce estimate that a fully dualled A11 would boost the local economy by £600million, creating jobs and helping local business.

"Norwich remains the largest city in Western Europe not linked to another city by a dualled motorway and the local economy suffers as a result. Business, tourism and retail chiefs all support the dualling.

"Safety factors are even more important. Government reports show the Fiveways to Thetford part of the A11 is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the region. Congestion on the road is dreadful; causing extra pollution from stationary and slow moving cars. Emergency Services have recently called for the road to be dualled to improve their access.

"Of course we need to take into account environmental factors and during the council meeting we amended the Conservative motion to ask for a full environmental impact assessment of the road. We also need extra investment in public transport, something that local and national Lib Dems have consistently called for. But the region also needs a functioning road network.

"The Green Party's blocking of economic development knows no barriers. They do not believe in the concept of economic growth and their economic policies range from the extreme to the downright loony.

"In these difficult economic times we need to protect and support the local economy and local jobs - not block every attempt at realistic job creation and development. We also need to ensure our roads are safe and fit for the 21st Century. That is why I urge people to sign the petition and support the dualling of the A11: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/dual-the-a11.html"

Cllr Brian Watkins

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

Norwich City Council