LOCAL MP WELCOMES MINISTER'S COMMENTS ON JUNCTION 9

Tony Baldry says funding for long-awaiting improvements could be agreed within months

North Oxfordshire MP, Tony Baldry, welcomed Transport Minister, Tom Harris MP's, comments on the prospects for improvements to Junction 9 on the M40, after a special meeting today.

Tony Baldry led a delegation to meet the Minister, including Oxfordshire County Council Leader Councillor Keith Mitchell and Cherwell District Council Leader Councillor Barry Wood, after he requested the meeting with the Minister. 

The Minister said there were "causes for optimism" that the scheme would be included in new funding for road improvements to be announced this Spring, and said the delegation made "a very strong case" for the project to go-ahead.

Improvements to the junction would reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance the potential of Bicester to grow economically.

Tony Baldry MP said:

"Improvements to Junction 9 are long overdue.  Funding for the scheme has been in limbo for some considerable time, and over that period congestion has increased, together with safety fears.  This route is designated of international importance with its connection to London and the rest of the country, and investing in some cost-effective improvements would tackle current problems and comprehensively increase Bicester's economic potential. 

"Both Oxfordshire and Cherwell councils have put pressure on the Government to act.  The clear message from the Minister to us is that the case for improving Junction 9 is strong compared to other projects in the country, and with a new funding round about to be signed-off by the Minister, at long last the project looks likely to get the go-ahead.  This is fantastic news."