'Something needs to be done': MP Owen Paterson in vow over roads upgrade
Shropshire MP Owen Paterson today vowed to make improving main roads in the region a priority as he prepares to return to work.
Mr Paterson, who has been recuperating from serious injuries suffered in a fall from his horse, says he remains determined to see improvements to the A483 and A5 around Oswestry.
The North Shropshire MP said sheer weight of traffic using the roads meant it would remain top of his agenda.
Positive talks were held on the issue between politicians on both sides of the Shropshire and Mid Wales border earlier this year.
The talks, involving officials from Highways England and Midlands Connect, focused on dualling the A5 and building a bypass around Pant and Llanymynech. And he said he would continue to press the issue.
“Nothing immediate has changed but I will be making the next stage a priority,” he said.
“The submissions were made earlier this year so we are just waiting to hear back on that. We have got quite close on the Pant and Llanymynech side before, and there are no ifs or buts, something needs to be done with both roads.”
The talks resulted in more proposals being prepared on both sides of the border to push for the dualling and a bypass.
Mr Paterson added: “There is a big programme to expand improvements of roads and this need to be part it it. The amount of traffic that travels on these roads every day is very large. The A483 into Wales cannot cope with it and it is simple, these projects need to be involved in the programme.”
The MP was taken to Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, near Oswestry, following a fall from his horse in January. He returned home after treatment at the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries.
