MP Dr Liam Fox writes to council about road and traffic outrage

Many residents were angered over the changes made to Clevedon seafront. <i>(Image: Save Our Seafront)</i>
Many residents were angered over the changes made to Clevedon seafront. (Image: Save Our Seafront)
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DR Liam Fox, the MP for North Somerset, has written to the chief executive of the council about "public anger" over road and traffic issues.

In a letter sent to Jo Walker, Dr Fox wrote: "In my 31 years as member of Parliament for North Somerset, I have seldom known such public anger as that which has been generated over North Somerset Council's management of road and traffic issues."

Dr Fox outlines some of these key areas, including the changes made to Clevedon's seafront, plans for Brockley crossroads, proposals of Backwell, Long Ashton Bus Lane and more.

Writing about the plans made to Backwell crossroads and Dark Lane, Dr Fox said that he believes the council carried out "insufficient consultation" with residents and that there has been an "overconcentration" on bus lanes without due regard to other road users.

Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, said: “There must be a general election coming as it is good to see Dr Fox taking an interest in local matters.

“It is disappointing that he feels it appropriate to criticise a range of projects that are being delivered because of his government’s policies and are largely government funded.

“Dr Fox has a responsibility as an MP to properly scrutinise the work of the government and make sure that national legislation is fit for purpose.

“Most of the problems he says he is concerned about are a direct result of government dictated policy and ring-fenced funding over which the council has limited control.

“Everyone at North Somerset Council wants to listen to the concerns of local people and work with them to find solutions that help our community.

"We are doing more than ever to engage with residents to help us make the right choices. What would help is having the freedom to spend taxpayers’ money in accordance with local wishes and not be subject to Westminster command and control.

“It would be good to have local MPs who understood that.”

A North Somerset Council spokesperson added: "We’ve received Dr Fox’s letter and are currently working on a reply which we will be happy to share publicly in the interests of transparency."

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