Today the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, made a key visit to Eastleigh – the second time in under a year to discuss local infrastructure – when he met with local MP Mims Davies and local business leaders, Councillors and residents to discuss the future of the Chickenhall Link Road.
Commenting afterwards, Eastleigh MP, Mims Davies said:
“Having raised the Chickenhall Link Road with the Secretary of State on so many occasions - both in the Commons Chamber and during one to one meetings - it was great to be able to take him to the site and to show him just how many people are getting stuck in traffic day in, day out, as they try and get around our area.
“I was also delighted to provide local business leaders with a key opportunity to raise their concerns over the impact that this continued congestion was having on local productivity, on their employees, their customers and their neighbours.
“The Liberal Democrats at Eastleigh Borough Council have for too long sat on their hands when it comes to supporting local infrastructure for our area, such as the Chickenhall Link Road, yet the same Councillors have time and time again put their hands up at planning meetings to give the go-ahead to more development. This irresponsible approach has to end.
“I am in no doubt that the Secretary of State for Transport understands just how crucial the delivery of the Chickenhall Link Road is to Eastleigh and the people that live and work here, and I will continue my conversations with him and other Ministers both at Transport and at the Treasury in the coming months.
“Further to this visit, I am looking forward to meeting with Southampton Airport this Friday, and with the continued support of Councillor Humby, Hampshire County Council, as well as through my work with the LEP and others, as Eastleigh’s MP I will continue to push forward the very real need for this key local infrastructure project.”
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Eastleigh based business GWMartin and Co. Stuart Yalden said:
“It was a pleasure to host the Secretary of State at our factory today. As a thriving business in the heart of Eastleigh we are looking to grow our team of skilled engineers and are enthusiastic to see infrastructure improvements to help productivity in Eastleigh.”