Council to discuss plans for link road

PROPOSALS for the A6-M60 link road will be discussed at a meeting of Stockport’s full council this week.

The coalition government last year announced £350,000 was being spent for a feasibility study into extending the A6 SEMMMS relief road from Hazel Grove to the M60 at Bredbury.

The scheme has so far only seen an initial business case commissioned, which has gathered evidence on whether a route through the Goyt Valley would be viable.

It has provoked a backlash from residents who say it would destroy the Poise book Valley Nature Reserve in Offerton, which is classified as ancient woodland, a site of biological importance and a geologically noteworthy site.

The proposals were discussed at a cabinet meeting on November 14 and it was agreed that all councillors should have their say before a decision is taken on whether to commission a full, detailed business case. The anticipated cost of doing so is £500,000 and funding would be sought from the Department for Transport.

Council leader Alex Ganotis said: “We have taken the decision to allow the whole council to have their say, because whether this road is built or not built is a decision which affects councillors across the borough, with diverse views among themselves and those they represent.”

The full council meeting will take place tomorrow (Thursday) at Stockport Town Hall.