Lib Dem Councillors from B&NES have met with Stephen Williams, the Lib Dem candidate to be West of England Mayor, to gain his support for the campaign against the plan to build a fourth park and ride for Bath on Bathampton Meadows.
The West of England Mayor will lead on a variety of devolved policy areas, including transport and the economy, starting from May 2017.
Councillor Alison Millar (Bathavon North, Lib Dem) commented: “Lib Dems, alongside residents, are opposing this terrible Conservative park and ride plan at every stage.
“Although last week’s call in of the council’s decision was not successful, there are still many hurdles to be cleared – including a planning hearing, funding applications and potential judicial review – before this scheme can go ahead.”
“As the bookies’ favourite to win the first West of England Mayoral election, Stephen’s support is a great boost to the campaign against the park and ride.”
Stephen Williams said: “I am pleased to be supporting local campaigners opposing the park and ride. It is clearly an unsuitable plan, which would not only spoil the visual aspect of the Meadows and damage the crucial setting of the World Heritage Site, but would also be unlikely to tackle the serious air quality and congestion issues on London Road.”
“If elected as the West of England Mayor, I will work to explore alternative options such as reopening the railway stations at Box and Corsham.”