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The Leader of Herefordshire Council has appeared before the Welsh Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons to ensure the county has a say on its vital road and rail network.
Cllr Roger Phillips appeared before the Select Committee of MP`s and Welsh Assembly members (on Thursday, June 24) to give evidence on the Welsh Transport Bill, which will ultimately give power to the Welsh Assembly to develop a transport strategy.
The strategy will include journeys that begin and end in Wales – which includes a number of key road and rail links in Herefordshire.
“My concern is the impact that the Bill could have on the main arterial routes for north and south Wales – the A49 and the Newport to Crew railway line – which pass through both Herefordshire and Shropshire,” said Cllr Phillips.
“I also raised the impact that the Bill could have on other important cross-border issues including the A44 and bus services between England and Wales,” he added.
“It is totally unacceptable that the Bill does not provide sufficient safeguards to ensure partnership working between the Welsh Assembly and Herefordshire Council and Shropshire County Council.
“I told the Committee that we required that the Bill include a statutory requirement that the Welsh Assembly involve us in any development of its strategy so that our voice can be heard.”
“Proper statutory consultation written into the Bill can ensure positive communications between us, working in the best interests and to the advantages of all the people of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Wales.” added Cllr Phillips
The Select Committee, which is taking evidence from a number of key witnesses, has until the end of July to complete its report.
The County will continue to lobby for the changes in both Houses of Parliament if the report and final Bill does not give the reassurances Herefordshire wants.
COUNCIL LEADER WANTS DIALOGUE WITH WELSH ASSEMBLY
The Leader of Herefordshire Council has appeared before the Welsh Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons to ensure the county has a say on its vital road and rail network.
Cllr Roger Phillips appeared before the Select Committee of MP`s and Welsh Assembly members (on Thursday, June 24) to give evidence on the Welsh Transport Bill, which will ultimately give power to the Welsh Assembly to develop a transport strategy.
The strategy will include journeys that begin and end in Wales – which includes a number of key road and rail links in Herefordshire.
“My concern is the impact that the Bill could have on the main arterial routes for north and south Wales – the A49 and the Newport to Crew railway line – which pass through both Herefordshire and Shropshire,” said Cllr Phillips.
“I also raised the impact that the Bill could have on other important cross-border issues including the A44 and bus services between England and Wales,” he added.
“It is totally unacceptable that the Bill does not provide sufficient safeguards to ensure partnership working between the Welsh Assembly and Herefordshire Council and Shropshire County Council.
“I told the Committee that we required that the Bill include a statutory requirement that the Welsh Assembly involve us in any development of its strategy so that our voice can be heard.”
“Proper statutory consultation written into the Bill can ensure positive communications between us, working in the best interests and to the advantages of all the people of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Wales.” added Cllr Phillips
The Select Committee, which is taking evidence from a number of key witnesses, has until the end of July to complete its report.
The County will continue to lobby for the changes in both Houses of Parliament if the report and final Bill does not give the reassurances Herefordshire wants.