Hilton A14 Action group latest info (Nov 2006)

New Consultation on the A14 As many of you will know there have been important developments! In September, the Offords A14 Action Group announced it had reached an out of court settlement with the Highways Agency. The Highways Agency have agreed to hold a further consultation on the A14 route rather than have the case heard in the Court of Appeal.

The new consultation will be on at least 2 alternative routes including a route closer to that originally proposed by the CHUMMS report. The Highways Agency has agreed they will not state a preference for any particular route.

Nita Tinn, who took the action on behalf of the Offords Group said ‘This is what we were asking for all along, namely a proper consultation on the route originally proposed by CHUMMS. This is a significant achievement as it amounts to an admission by the Agency that its processes were fundamentally flawed. This was not about getting the road moved away from our villages but about giving everyone affected a proper chance to have their say on a real choice of options. By failing to consult on alternative route options, the Highways Agency was in breach of its own procedures………. Had the Highways Agency responded to our concerns openly from the start and admitted its errors, many months of delay and consequent expense could have been avoided.’

This reopens consideration of taking the road over the Buckden landfill site, something the Highways Agency discounted at a very early stage without carrying out any technical appraisal. An independent, detailed investigation is needed to establish the viability of crossing the site. Independent research is also needed to assess the full environmental impact of noise, light and pollution on those communities affected. The Hilton A14 Action Group, welcomes the opportunity to work constructively with the Highways Agency to achieve the best solution for all communities. The Group will be campaigning for a return to the CHUMMS route and the best possible environmental amelioration – whatever the route chosen.

We understand that the consultation is likely to be held in December and January and Hilton Parish Council is already in negotiations with the Agency to ensure that an exhibition is held in the village as early as possible during the consultation period. The run up to Christmas is a busy time for most of us, but please try to find the time to consider the alternatives and express your preferences.

You can contact the group via Peter Balicki on 831787 or Lissie Wright on 830577.