Eastleigh MP Mims Davies has pressed the urgent need for the Chickenhall Link Road to be built at a meeting to discuss the strategic transport plan for the Solent area.
Mims met with Solent LEP Chief Executive Anne-Marie Mountfield and Chairman Gary Jeffries along with other local MPs to discuss the plan.
Everyone present agreed that the Solent area has an infrastructure deficit that urgently needs addressing and the road and rail links between Portsmouth, Southampton and Eastleigh must be improved
“It’s good news that Hampshire MPs and the LEP representatives have agreed to actively work together to highlight to the Chancellor that more should be spent on infrastructure in the area,” said Mims.
“I said very clearly in the meeting that George Osborne has indicated money is available for the Chickenhall Link Road through the Local Majors Fund and that the updated plans and reinvigorated business case for the road have to be completed soon to get agreement to allow work on this key infrastructure requirement for our area to commence.
“My view is this should be fully included in the wider strategic plan for the Solent to help alleviate the congestion and unacceptable pollution in Eastleigh. This road has been needed for over 25 years, I’ve been using my time since I was elected to bring together the Borough Council, the County Council, the Airport, the LEP and other key stakeholders and landowners to get an updated business plan to take to the Treasury so that this road can finally become a reality. Everything is to play for, the Chancellor is keen to see it and residents and businesses want, deserve and need this road.”