Lib Dems attack Tory transport plan

Opposition politicians will next week attempt to put the brakes on a major programme of transport improvements for Bath.

Liberal Democrats say the ruling Tory administration at the Guildhall is "railroading" the Bath Transportation Package through in the teeth of objections.

Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council chiefs say the package – which will cost between £54 million and £58 million – is the answer to the city's worsening congestion problems.

And it says the Government cash that will fund most of the work could be lost if there are any changes to the plans that affect the overall cost of the package.

These include a new park and ride site at Bathampton, the expansion of existing sites at Odd Down, Newbridge and Lansdown, and the £16 million Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project running east-west across the city.

Liberal Democrats have tabled a motion to a full meeting of the council next Thursday calling for "a proper debate" on the subject.

It says the package is different to what was agreed through the Local Plan.

Councillor Caroline Roberts said: "It seems that the Conservative-run Cabinet is determined to railroad through the BRT and not to listen to any opposition.

"The way that this Conservative administration is running roughshod over local people is a disgrace.

"They feel it is perfectly acceptable to make changes to the proposed park and ride site to the east of Bath but refuse to countenance changes to the BRT route – despite the lack of proof of the benefits of the chosen route."

Councillor Andrew Furse added: "It would appear the Conservatives are more interested in talking about who voted for what and when in the past, rather than looking at what is happening now.

"Cabinet members should accept that the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan do not reflect the current schemes for the Bath Transport Package."

The group's motion says the package "should not go ahead without detailed analysis of the options and further consultation with residents".

But Conservative members criticised the Lib Dems for back-tracking on earlier cross-party support for the scheme.

Cllr Colin Barrett said: "The BRT route was clearly detailed in the Local Plan, which was debated for four years and adopted by all parties last year."