A555 ANNOUNCEMENT STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

4.10.00pm GMT Tue 25th Nov 2008

Andrew Stunell MP & Mark Hunter MP have welcomed the news that the Manchester Airport - A6 section of the A555 is to be completed

Local MPs Andrew Stunell and Mark Hunter today welcomed the announcement by Geoff Hoon, Secretary of State for Transport, that £1 billion will be invested in major transport projects next year to stimulate the economy, including:

Up to £165m dedicated to creating a new road link between Manchester Airport and the A6 to the east [A555]. This would provide better access to and from the UK's fourth largest airport for the 21 million passengers who use it each year, and support the continued development of this key economic asset for the North of England

Commenting on the news Andrew Stunell and Mark Hunter said:

"We welcome the announcement that £165 million will be provided towards the completion of the Manchester Airport section of the A555 relief road.

"We are pleased that the Government has finally recognised the strength of the case which has been so consistently supported by MPs from all parties. Whilst this amount of money represents a little over half of the total costs, it is a very positive step in the right direction and we're optimistic that the rest of the money will be found from other sources such as the Regional Development Agency.

"Given how long it has taken to get to this stage, what is now needed is for the Government to authorise the necessary public inquiry without further delay."

ENDS