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Search forEnd in sight for Aldridge campaigners
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 08:00
Branton Hill Lane residents have fought for years for a new purpose-built road to be built, diverting what they estimate to be 'up to 200 lorries per day' from thundering past their homes.
"This is crucial for us and we are praying that plans for the new road are given the go-ahead, that will end our story instantly," said Branton Hill Lane resident Philip Mountford.
Residents have held a number of protests in the road, preventing lorries from entering and leaving the site, with their complaints centring around noise pollution, filthy roads and safety risks on the road.
The public hearing, held at Walsall Town Hall, will address the possibility of an entrance road via the A452 Chester Road, diverting traffic away from Branton Hill Lane and Little Aston Road.
But included in the plans are 14 homes which will be built to recoup the cost of building the road – which have proved controversial in some quarters as the plans infringe on green belt land.
"We've already had a lot of success," said Mr Mountford, who acts as a spokesperson on behalf of campaigning residents.
"We pressed for a wheel wash to be installed and used and the road swept twice a day, but what is really needed is for this road to be built, and put us out of our misery.
"It will be purpose-built with soundproofing and will be out of sight."
The public hearing was due to take place in July but was postponed until today.
A representative of the Environment Secretary, Walsall Council, Bliss Sand and Gravel, tree protection campaigners and campaigning residents will all be present from 10am today.
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