M1 Widening

Letters To Residents To Halt M1 Fear Submitted by: Jim on Jul 31, 2006

Motorway bosses are sending out thousands of letters to reassure residents their views are being heeded following a flood of complaints about a proposed widening scheme.
Last month, the Leicester Mercury reported the Highways Agency wanted to spend £1.9 billion widening the M1 in Leicestershire, and creating a new flyover link with the M69.

People in Leicester Forest East said they feared thousands of cars using the proposed link road each day would create unacceptable noise and air pollution and devalue their homes.

As a result, bosses said part of the plans would be redrawn because of the strength of local feeling against them.

Now, about 7,000 letters are being sent to people who will be affected to reassure them their concerns are being listened to.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "The letters are to update local residents on what is happening with the M1 widening scheme and the link at the junction 21 and 21A with the M69. We want to reassure residents that their comments are being taken on board.

"There will be a new consultation exercise in the autumn and once these details are sorted they will be publicised."

People will be given 13 weeks to comment on the proposals.

Gerry Leach, Leicester Forest East resident and member of the parish council, said: "We are not sure what the solution is, but we are pleased they are listening to us."

Source Leicester Mercury 31 July 2006