"The pedestrian and cycling bridge at the Wing Hill roundabout is essential to ensure the communities of Wing and Linslade are not cut off from each other by the new bypass, as well as guaranteeing that future generations are able to cycle and walk between the two villages as people have done for 100s of years" says local MP John Bercow, who, together with local residents, is calling for a partnership between Bucks and Bedfordshire County Councils and residents of Wing and Linslade to ensure that the promise to build the bridge is not now broken.
The local MP has swung his support behind villagers' protests at the decision to go back on commitments made two years ago to ensure safe crossing for the many schoolchildren, rail users and others who travel between Wing and Linslade every week.
The protest, organised by Wing resident Seán Kelly, sees the launch of a campaign to make sure that the bridge is constructed before the bypass opens and cuts off pedestrian and cycling links between Wing and Linslade.
Mr Kelly says "Once the bypass opens without this bridge, local children who go to school, or use Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, as well as Wing residents travelling to the railway station, or going shopping, will be dicing with death as they attempt to scramble across the bypass with no protection except for a tiny central refuge!"
The bridge will cost around half a per cent of the total cost of building the bypass. In today's world it is vital we provide for cyclists and walkers and not just HGVs. This bridge must be built, and that can only happen through a strong partnership of Bucks and Beds County Councils, local MPs and most importantly the communities who for their own safety and quality of life, desperately need the bridge to be built.
We are absolutely delighted at the support we are getting from our local MP John Bercow, as well as Andrew Selous MP for South West Bedfordshire. We are now inviting other local representatives including Val Letheren (Bucks Cabinet Member for Transportation) and local county councillor Quintin Ing-Chambers to join us and help deliver a much needed and valuable community facility. Leighton-Linslade Town Council and Wing Parish Council will also be key players.
The residents of Wing and Linslade are being supported by Cycling Groups, Horse Riders and South Bedfordshire Friends of The Earth.
Local residents are all invited to attend at the Wing Hill
roundabout from 10.30am for a 30 minute demonstration on Saturday
21st April. Cyclists are invited to attend on their bikes and
non-cyclists are also very welcome. Saturday 21st April to show
their support for the Bridge.
ENDS