Businesses provide input to Marches freight transport strategy

March 17, 2017

A new strategy for freight transport across the Marches will aim to reduce congestion, shorten journey times and find ways to support businesses moving goods from A to B.
Opening the event, Graham Wynn commented:
“We know that several of the region’s primary trunk roads are an issue and the process we’re currently going through is aimed at better understanding how they impact productivity and inward investment.
“In order to secure funding that can be used to address some of these issues, we need to be able to demonstrate to Highways England the views, concerns and frustrations of the very people whose livelihoods depend on an efficient transport network.
“Simply, the involvement of the businesses here is vital so that the strategy we develop is in line with the issues they face.”
Through a series of group discussions, delegates debated what the key issues in relation to freight movement across the Marches are and what the options to address them might be.
Chris Rowland spoke of the research that has already been carried out which identifies the nature of freight transport throughout the Marches and explained what the resultant strategy will aim to address:
“The strategy that we produce will need to address issues around reducing congestion; better managing freight activity and provide evidence to support the major capital projects which could help address them.”
Mr Rowland also spoke of some of the key issues facing freight transport in the Marches, including journey lengths; lack of route choice; the impact of congestion on nearby motorways on the trunk network in the region and the how local residents are affected by freight transport.
“From suggestions for better collaboration between freight operators, to looking at ways of reducing risk and improving quality, the views shared here today are invaluable and will help to shape a strategy that will make the freight transport experience more positive across the whole region,” he added.

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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