Shropshire businesses urged to air their views on M54 link road

Midlands Connect, which researches, develops and progresses transport projects that will provide social, economic and environmental benefits, is looking to push the agenda for investment in the project.

It wants to hear from any Shropshire-based companies about how the project could potentially boost their business operations.

The new Government has outlined ambitions to unlock key economic growth corridors, and Midlands Connect wants to build a strong case for the M54/M6 northbound link to be near the top of the list.

It says it is aware that plenty of businesses along the M54 corridor are currently held back by gridlock and daily delays on local roads such as the A449 and A460.

The team is keen to speak to organisations that use this route to understand how it impacts their business operations, and discover how investment in the proposed link road would support their businesses to grow or operate more efficiently.

The discussions would be used to form the basis of a qualitative report that will help build the case for this much-needed upgrade.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ruth Ross said: “If you feel that your organisation would benefit from the M54/M6 northbound link, allowing for faster and more efficient connections, this is your chance to help lobby for change.

“They are keen to speak to organisations and businesses who are based along or use this route to understand how the current infrastructure currently impacts their business operations, and how investment in the link would support their businesses to grow or operate better.

“All you have to do is take five minutes to get in touch with mcadmin@midlandsconnect.uk and share your views.”

Integrated transport programme lead for Midlands Connect, Swati Mittal, said: “Your experiences and thoughts could make a massive difference.”