Second day of Carlisle route inquiry

It is claimed a small accident can cause gridlock

The county council will continue to outline its argument in favour of a Northern Development Route for Carlisle, on the second day of a public inquiry.

Objectors and supporters of proposed relief road will be putting their points for and against the development to a government inspector.

One new objection was lodged on Tuesday, by retired businessman John Barker, chairman of Carlisle South Community Development Association.

The Carlisle Northern Development Route is designed to reduce traffic congestion in the city, and improve access to the Kingmoor Park Business park.

Business drift

Carlisle's MP Eric Martlew says the development should go ahead.

But Mr Barker said the road would help increase the drift of business and industry out of Carlisle towards Kingmoor Park.

Other objections are from landowners who say they will be forced to sell their land.

The planned five-mile road will go around the north-west corner of Carlisle by linking the A595 with junction 44 of the M6 at Kingstown.

As well as cutting traffic in the city centre it is hoped it will also improve transport links with Scotland and west Cumbria.

Jobs link

The inquiry, at the Lakes Court Hotel, Carlisle, in front of an independent inspector, is expected to finish on Thursday.

A final recommendation will be made to the secretary of state, who has the final decision as to whether the compulsory purchase and side road orders will be confirmed.

If the road is approved it could be completed by 2006.

Mr Martlew has said the project should go ahead to prevent "gridlock" in Carlisle, and to provide a link to jobs at Kingmoor Park.