Local MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, is set to visit three separate sites of the Bathampton Meadows at 2.30pm tomorrow (Friday, 16th October) to discuss the possible creation of an East of Bath Park and Ride. However, despite belonging to the same party currently ruling B&NES, he says he is against the potential loss of this land. There have been three sites put forward for consultation.
Mr Rees-Mogg comments: "The proposals to create a Park and Ride on the fields of Batheaston are causing a high level of dissent in the constituency. Many constituents have written to me, expressing their deep concern about these plans and it is some of the strongest disapproval since the Council’s proposal to dump asbestos in Stowey Quarry.
"I support the strong local opposition. I am not in favour of an East of Bath Park and ride, least of all one in the Bathampton Meadow. It is an area of enormous beauty which will be compromised if the scheme is approved. I have, therefore, made representations on the behalf of constituents to Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) and the Leader of the Council, Tim Warren. It is important that the issue of traffic is dealt with; implementing a Park and Ride is merely a palliative approach and not a cure. The problem in Bath is the through traffic, including heavy goods vehicles unsuited for the city centre, which needs to be addressed. In politics, it is often thought that action ought to be taken immediately. However, it is sometimes better to take time do the right thing rather than to make quick, but ill-advised decisions.
"Many residents believe that a link road between the A36 and A46 is a greater priority than any Park and Ride scheme. I concur with this and have recently written a joint letter with Ben Howlett, Member of Parliament for Bath, to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter. B&NES supports the need to build a bypass and we have the support of the Secretary of State for Transport. All that remains is the funding for a feasibility study and the eventual endorsement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer which I will push for at every opportunity.
"I strongly object to this proposal and will continue to support my constituents whilst pressing for progress with the bypass.
"If anyone would like to join us on the visit we will be meeting in the car park of the Bathampton Mill pub, just before 2.30 pm. If you require any more information please contact Alice Rule on 0207 259 1290."
Bathampton Parish Council, the protest group, Save Bathampton Meadows, and Olympian, Amy Williams, will be at New Leaf Farm in Mill Lane on Saturday to sing a reimagined version of ’Big Yellow Taxi’ to express their feelings on the proposed Park and Ride Site. The new lyrics will say “don’t pave paradise, don’t give us a park and ride.” There are plans to record the song and post it online.
The current consultation on where an east of Bath Park and Ride could potentially be located is due to end on Sunday this week and can be accessed at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/eastpandr The three proposed sites are land east of the A4/A46 junction and land west and east of Mill Lane. The Local Authority has been criticised for seeking opinions further afield, but the Council has defended this, saying that the results will be broken down by postcode and commuters should have a say, too.