Chloe calls for a meeting with minister on NDR

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, has today called for a clear decision from the Secretary of State on the Norwich Northern Distributor Road. She has written to Lord Andrew Adonis asking for a meeting and for his assurance that a clear decision will be made in December.

The letter highlights the importance of the road for residents and businesses in her constituency and beyond. It draws attention to the scheme's critical ability to remove many thousands of cars from Norwich city centre and suburbs, cutting congestion, pollution and traffic danger, and allowing for greener transport choices. Chloe also agrees with local businesspeople who wrote on Saturday to the EDP that the road is vital for jobs and prosperity.

"In north Norwich, the road would provide vital relief for residents and businesses," she says. "Any further delay puts good cross-party work here in Norfolk in jeopardy. I want the Secretary of State to give his assurance of a firm decision on the scheme in December. In addition, I have asked him to meet me and a small delegation of local partners to explain the wider context and benefits of the scheme."

Nick Farrow, of the Norfolk Institute of Directors, added: "The road is vital for jobs and prosperity and I welcome Chloe's efforts to get the minister to make a decision. We do need to have a clear way forward."

Daniel Cox, leader of Norfolk County Council, added: "The NDR will not only provide relief from rat-running for thousands of people and the transport links which industry is crying out for, it also opens the door for a range of sustainable transport options in the growing city of Norwich. I very much welcome this initiative and the growing number of calls for the road to be funded without delay."

Chloe promised during her by-election campaign to fight for the road to be built. It is one of a number of items that Chloe promised she would do if elected - see more on www.chloesmith.org.uk/contract. Chloe comments: "It is very important to me to crack on with the things I said I would do if elected."