Masterplan 'Visionaries'' Bizarre Name Change for Bypass

7.29.54pm GMT Mon 12th Jan 2009

Ely Southern Bypass may have to take the name of the notorious A14 if it is to have any hope of Government funding.

And an 'iconic' bridge, competing with the medieval Cathedral, could be built to promote the road.

The bizarre ideas came during an Ely Masterplan Working Party meeting when Tories decided that transport issues are getting so technical that the public should be excluded in the future because they wouldn't understand them.

Dr Nicholas Falk, of consultants URBED - who have been working with East Cambridgeshire District Council on the controversial masterplan - suggested making the bypass plan part of the strategic road network and agreed it should be renamed The A14 Bypass after county council officials expressed their concerns over lack of Government money for the project.

"In his desire to promote the road he also agreed that an iconic bridge, competing with the cathedral would give new viewing opportunities and promote tourism," said Lib Dem Councillor Ian Allen.

"This is in spite of the total opposition by English Heritage on visual and noise pollution grounds.

"In a somewhat laughable exchange regarding a name change for the Ely southern bypass, Dr Falk agreed that The A14 Bypass would be an alternative name for the road as it would be more likely to attract government funding.

"The county council is doubtful about the prospects for the road, the money simply is not there, yet the masterplan visionaries are willing to turn the A142 into part of the strategic road network in order to build it. Does Ely deserve better than this vision?"

Ely North and East Lib Dem Councillor Nigel Bell said: "This bypass is a proven non-starter for funding no matter what name it is given.

"Costs for the road have now increased to nearly £30 million and any figures quoted to demonstrate the cost benefits of the scheme are now nonsensical.

"Rather than wasting even more taxpayers' money on pursuing this impossible dream, realistic and cheaper solutions must be sought to improve traffic flow in the Ely Rail station area."