After decades of snarl-ups, pollution and accidents, work has started on the Air Balloon Missing Link. Preparatory steps are underway, and full construction will start in the autumn.
The preparatory works includes the creation of new habitats and installing animal fencing and bat boxes to protect wildlife. Archaeological digs will be undertaken to identify and document relevant remains or artefacts.
It has been an almighty slog to get to this point. I remember campaigning for action on this black-spot back in 2013. I wasn’t an MP then of course, but I vowed that if elected I would give my all to deliver a solution for our town.
Now after ten years, five Transport Secretaries, four route proposals, three House of Commons questions to the Prime Minister, one public inquiry and countless meetings with Highways officials, the scheme is taking flight.
It’s difficult to overstate just how important this is for Cheltenham, and Gloucestershire more widely. Just the raw data is eye-watering. As a community, we have managed to secure an astonishing £400m to deliver a once-in-two-generations upgrade to our transport infrastructure.
It will mean a boost for the local economy, as motorists avoid hours wasted in queuing traffic. Pollution will be cut as the traffic flows more freely. Fewer lives will be lost too as the road is made safer.
Crucially too, it will boost Cheltenham’s competitiveness as one of the best connected places in Britain. No longer will people be put off making the journey to our town from the M4. That edge is vital if we are to generate the excellent job opportunities of the future and help young people go as far as their talents will take them. A strong economy here in Cheltenham will also help secure the pipeline of tax revenues to fund valued public services like our excellent schools and Cheltenham General Hospital.
Investing today secures Cheltenham’s future, and makes us match-fit to take on the competition at home and abroad. It has been worth the wait.
[Column first published in the Glos Echo]