‘Show Us The Money’: Campaigners demand funding answers

06/02/2024 | CHRIS AMES

Shropshire Council has declined to give an updated cost for its North West Relief Road (NWRR) scheme, which campaigners say could cost more than £200m.

The authority has insisted that the cost of the controversial road near Shrewsbury is 'currently' estimated at £80.1m and it still expects the Government to ‘fully fund’ it.

The road was previously costed at £87m but the council said in 2021 that changes to the scheme had shaved £7m off the cost.

However, Better Shrewsbury Transport (BeST) said this week that cost increases since the Department for Transport (DfT) agreed to fund the scheme would leave the authority around £120m short.

It has called on the council and the DfT to be transparent with residents about both the cost of the road and how it will be funded.

As Highways has reported, despite a pledge from transport secretary Mark Harper to fully fund the scheme, the DfT has only said that the project is eligible for an uplift in central government funding from £54m to 100% of the cost as assessed at outline business case stage, which was £80m.

However, two council reports in September identified a funding shortfall of £95m, suggesting that the cost could have risen to 175m.

Campaigners have said this could be even higher once the costs of specialist drainage to protect the source of Shrewsbury’s water supply are factored in.

BeST said it is calling for clarity on a number of key questions, including how much the road will cost, how much the DfT has promised to contribute, and who will be responsible for any cost overrun.

Spokesperson Mike Streetly said: ‘As the cost of the NWRR spirals to over £200m, both Shropshire Council and the DfT need to be transparent with residents. How much exactly has the DfT pledged to spend on this road? Are they writing a blank cheque to cover all of the costs or not? In the words of Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, “Show us the money!”’

A council spokesperson told Highways that senior officers have been in regular contact with the DfT ‘and have been given no reason to believe that Government support for the NWRR will be nothing other than that announced by the secretary of state on TV, fully funded’.

The spokesperson pointed out that the road was granted planning permission in October, subject to agreement of the Section 106 and conditions and that once the final decision notice is issued the final business case (FBC) can be completed.

The spokesperson added: ‘This will spell out clearly the costs of the scheme (currently estimated at £80.1m), based on market procurement and how it would be funded.

‘The FBC will then be discussed by Full Council, before being submitted to the DfT.’

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW