Link Road poll tops 1,100

22 November 2004

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint has joined with angry Bessacarr Grange residents to campaign for the 89 bus service to be restored. The 89 bus service, withdrawn by MASS/Leon on September 4th has left some residents without easy access to a bus service.

A survey of Rossington residents organised by Don Valley MP Caroline Flint about the proposed M18 airport link road produced over 1,100 replies.

Said Ms Flint: "I am delighted by the huge response from residents - over one in five households have replied. The possibility of a road which connects Rossington to the motorway is a decision that comes along only once in a lifetime. I felt it was essential to seek the opinion of every household."

Ms Flint undertook the survey after residents called for a referendum on the best route at a public meeting organised by Doncaster MBC.

The MP has already received 1,177 responses. The survey findings have been sent to the Mayor for consideration. The Don Valley MP expects to confirm the final results of the survey early next week.

• 79% of residents support a link road from Junction 3 of the M18.
• Only 2% are opposed to any link road
• Opinion on the options of a Northern and Southern route passed Rossington showed 67% of residents supporting a Southern route; 23% backing the Northern route.
• 63% - a clear majority will back either route in the best interests of Rossington, but a quarter of residents say they will oppose the road if their preferred route is not chosen.

Said Ms Flint: "The Mayor has got to weigh up a number of factors, including the environmental impact, but I hope the residents' views will help him understand local opinion."

The Don Valley MP believes she has had responses from residents in almost every road. "I have received many letters and emails about the link road, but the views from the survey are coming from every corner of Rossington."

The MP has also pledged to take up concerns of residents who may feel affected by either route. Ms Flint led the seven year parliamentary campaign to secure an airport at Finningley, giving evidence to the public inquiry, making a number of proposals on noise control and traffic access which were adopted by the developers. "However important a scheme is, whether it is the airport or this link road, it is essential that the concerns of residents living closest are not overlooked. Whichever route is chosen, I will do my best to ensure that the road does not spoil the quality of life of people who live near to it. The exact route will need to be planned carefully in the interests of residents."