Fiona Bruce MP - “£45 million Congleton Growth Fund puts Congleton on the national map for future growth”
Speaking on the announcement of the £45 million Congleton Link Road Funding from Government Fiona Bruce says “This really puts Congleton on the national map as a key town identified for growth. I am delighted to have had the privilege of fighting in Parliament for, and winning, this funding for an area I represent and love. Hardworking people here deserve this support. I pay tribute to the business leaders of Congleton, in particular the Link2Prosperity group chaired by Tim McCloud and the East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, headed up by David Watson, who first made the business case for the link road and gave me the ammunition to fight for it in Parliament.”
In the House of Commons Chamber yesterday, Fiona Bruce said “I welcome the tremendous £45 million funding announcement for the Congleton link road. Congleton is an aspirational town and Ministers listened to the business case that was put forward by business leaders, East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, the local authority, the LEP and elected representatives. Does that not prove that when there is effective joint working, we can really make a difference to the prosperity of the people we represent?”
Minister, Greg Clark, responded “We certainly can, Cheshire is a vital part of the economy.” (HANSARD 7th July)
Local Business leaders joined Fiona on a number of occasions to lobby Government and Ministers for funding – photograph attached shows a delegation of Congleton Business Leaders at Parliament lobbying Government.
Fiona added “During the past Labour Government Congleton Constituency did not receive a fair share of national funding to support the aspirations and hard work of local people, I have, and will continue to, campaign hard to redress this balance – this announcement shows Ministers have listened – and this is one of the biggest Growth Fund commitments in the country by far.”
Fiona continued “This major £45million sum will benefit not just the town of Congleton but people across the whole of my constituency, opening up job opportunities and improving traffic flow over a wide area.”
Tim McCloud Chairman of the Link2Prosperity Group and local businessman said today on hearing the news: “We are delighted with the result. It is testament to the hard work of the group, backing of local businesses and the unwavering dedication and commitment of Fiona Bruce MP. Fiona has tirelessly lobbied Parliament, supporting Congleton causes and championed the Link Road from the beginning. We are hugely grateful to have this level of support; it has been pivotal to achieving the result. This is a great news day for Congleton and will help business expand, increase jobs and move us all a step closer to the regeneration of our town.”
ENDS
The first request Fiona Bruce made in Parliament for Link Road Funding when she called a
debate on this in the House of Commons (March 2013) and spoke of the benefits to Congleton it would bring in terms of creating jobs through opening up access to business park sites, enabling new businesses to set up and existing businesses to expand. It would also, she said, improve the quality of life for people in Congleton by reducing the chronic congestion which the town suffers at times. Hansard Link - http://fionabruce.mp/press/index.php?id=7813868237926615676
Most recently Fiona raised a question in the House of Commons at Transport Questions on 8th May lobbying Roads Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, for Link Road Funding –
Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): The proposed Congleton link road will help to boost the economy across the east Cheshire region, relieving not only local town congestion, but that along the M6, both of which are frequently described as chronic. It will also improve access to and from Crewe station. Will the Minister consider making Government funding available to fund this vital link road project?
Mr Goodwill: I understand that the Cheshire and Warrington local enterprise partnership has submitted a bid for local growth fund funding to support the Congleton link road as part of its strategic economic plan. We are currently assessing the plans and bids submitted by every LEP in England and we hope to be able to make an announcement in July.