7:22pm Wednesday 17th November 2004
By staff reporter
A HANDFUL of residents campaigning for measures to reduce noise and pollution levels on the M40 have won the backing of MPs.
Villagers from Stokenchurch and Lane End felt compelled to act following publication of the Highways Agency's draft strategy in March this year.
The report failed to recognise an imperative need for road improvements between junctions four and five and the subsequent impact on quality of life.
Ken Edwards, of Park Lane, Lane End, was among a delegation of residents who met with MPs David Lidington and Paul Goodman at Westminster last Wednesday.
He said: "The draft strategy ignored the needs of those living along the route. A bunch of us, who happened to represent most of the communities affected, got together and looked at ways to combat this.
"We like to see ourselves as a consultation group looking at pragmatic solutions, not a gung-ho action group. Everyone we've approached has been extremely professional, from parish councils upwards."
The group carried out extensive research and roadside measurements, while staying in close contact with the Highways Agency, Bucks County and Wycombe District Councils.
Startling figures revealed 10,000 homes along the designated stretch of M40 suffer environmental and noise problems, with daily traffic levels exceeding 100,000. Noise readings are six times the level at which planning permission would be refused. MPs urged consideration for local residents.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk