inquiry begins

THE long-awaited public inquiry into a new motorway junction on the M62 is set to get underway today, Tuesday.

The inquiry, led by Inspector Sir Norman King, will consider Highway Agency plans to build a new junction eight on the M62 to the west of Burtonwood Services and to widen the motorway to four lanes at junction nine, Winwick. The inquiry at RAF Burtonwood is expected to last four weeks.

The controversial proposal has generated over 300 official objections from people concerned that the junction might increase traffic congestion.

But Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North, council leaders and businesses on the Gemini Retail Park are fully behind the plans.

Mrs Jones said: "I am very glad we have at last got to the public inquiry stage and I hope as many people as possible will make their views known.

"It is very important that Warrington gets the new junction in order to relieve traffic in the town, particularly around Callands and the A49.

"I know residents in Kingswood have concerns about the junction. But I am sure these can be addressed with good will on both sides."

Clr John Joyce, chairman of Technical Services, said: "The council is firmly committed to the junction eight project and the link road to Gemini.

"The scheme has been well discussed and evaluated and it is the best option with the minimum impact. It is considered very important to the town for its continued progress." The £20 million scheme will be financed by the Commission for New Towns who consider it vital to the success of the Omega employment sites and the busy Gemini Retail Park.

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