In his latest column, High Peak's Conservative MP Robert Largan says the forthcoming Mottram Moor gas works and current reduced train timetable illustrates the importance of building the Mottram Bypass.

The latest round of roadworks and train cancellations shows the importance of building the Mottram Bypass and a more joined up approach to transport policy. 

Essential gas works are planned to take place on Mottram Moor from 4 April, lasting around 20 weeks. The road will still be open but with lane closures. This road is heavily gridlocked at the best of times. But this is going to make it even worse, especially given the closure of the Snake Pass at the same time – hitting traffic on the Woodhead Pass through Tintwistle and through the Hope Valley too. 

The situation will be worsened further as Northern are running a significantly reduced timetable on the Glossop to Manchester line too. 

I understand that the gas board had tried to complete the work on Mottram Moor from a neighbouring field, but negotiations with the landowner fell through. This means the road must be dug up, causing what will no doubt be traffic chaos. 

I have raised this with National Highways, Cadent, and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council to see if there is any alternative, or whether the timing of these works could be changed to make this less disruptive. 

I’m also taking up the reduced train timetable with Northern, trying to get more frequent train services reinstated as quickly as possible. Before I was elected, I used to commute by train from Glossop into Manchester every morning. I know the frustrations that many will be feeling! 

In the long run, this shows once again how important it is that we get the Mottram Bypass built. 

After 50 years of dither and delay, I am pleased to say that we are now closer than ever. A contract to get on and build the Bypass has now been signed, with construction expected to begin next year. 

Recently, I went to see the archaeological work taking place along the proposed route of the Bypass and Glossop Spur Road. It’s really exciting to see actual diggers on site. 

But now is not the time to be complacent. We've still got to go through the Development Consent Order process and that means we've all got to keep working hard to show our support for the scheme. 

Absurdly, Glossop Labour Party are campaigning to block the bypass and they’ve even pledged to pay professional campaigners to stop construction. We must not let them succeed!

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