Whitehaven Relief road proposals are not dependent on Moorside

Yesterday's statement by Toshiba is clearly a serious blog to the Moorside project though I do not accept that the possibility of a new nuclear power station near Sellafield is dead. Existing coal and nuclear power stations are closing and renewables simply cannot provide enough 24/7 base load power, although the share of renewables in the mix will undoubtedly rise.

 But one thing which will not be affected is the proposal for a Whitehaven Relief road. 

 When Transport secretary Chris Grayling came to Copeland to kick off the consultation on the proposed Relief Road at a briefing for councillors and local stakeholders, one of the councillors present specifically asked whether the proposal was dependent on the Moorside project going ahead.

 The answer from Highways England was clear and specific: they pointed to a whole string of projects, of which Moorside was only one, which are expected to generate more traffic and which the existing road network could not cope with. Even without Moorside there is a need for major enhancements to Cumbria's road. So no, the proposed new road is not dependent on Moorside. 

As I have previously written, Chris Grayling announced his "Cast Iron Commitment" to improving Cumbria's Roads as you can read on the government website at


Chris Grayling said:


  • "Investing in Cumbria’s vital transport routes cuts congestion, ensures drivers enjoy faster, safer journeys, and increases the freight capacity needed to drive forward jobs and economic growth." 

  • "This shows our cast-iron commitment to Cumbria, as we deliver the investment needed to provide businesses and commuters with more reliable and resilient journeys." 

The Secretary of State also confirmed ongoing discussions with local partners on proposals to progress development of a major programme of upgrades on the Cumbrian Coast rail line to support expected major investments in West Cumbria and the creation of new jobs.

The consultation formally began on Wednesday and lasts until 19th December 2018. Consultation survey forms have been going out this week and there are three drop-in surgeries.

Details are available on the consultation website: you can about what is under consideration, find details of consultation events, and respond at

https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/he/a595-whitehaven-public-consultation/ 

I would strongly urge anyone who thinks West Cumbria needs more investment in our roads to take part in the consultation and say so.

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