Representation by Karen Baxter
- Date submitted
- 4 September 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
From a community point of view: I live on the A66 very close to Sandford junction. I have lived in this area for nearly 40 years and traffic flow has increased exponentially. We do need a new section of road. However, I believe a slightly northern route of the whole of the present A66 – a complete new dual carriageway - between Appleby and Brough is the best option. It would avoid having to build many of the proposed junctions, roundabouts, slip roads, and bridges currently drawn into the plans. Additionally, and helpfully, the present A66 would become the local road. All cost effective. It will be MUCH safer – through traffic staying on the new dual carriageway & avoiding unnecessary entry/egress on this road nearly every mile. Helpfully, once again, local residents would not even have to access the A66 and this would benefit flow of traffic. The present design seems extensive. Fewer sink ponds would be needed for the reduced number of junctions etc and could be located in poorer agricultural land; which would help mitigate a very real likelihood of further flooding. Local people are CONSTANTLY affected, please hear us. Personally: I am a major stakeholder in the community farm being developed at Dyke Nook. The present A66 design would SERIOUSLY compromise our vision for continuing to develop facilities for people responding positively to ‘social prescribing.’ As stakeholders, we believe the community farm can play a vital role in society by helping the marginalised, vulnerable and those with learning difficulties. This can be gained through ‘hands on’ experiences in agriculture and horticulture within a therapeutic and quiet rural setting; some of which is already happening. Noise and pollution levels will rise whatever mitigation is used. I was clearly told that at the ‘sound’ booth during consultation meetings. And finally, but no less importantly, cutting down mature broadleaved trees to replant should be avoided wherever possible. Moving the route north would avoid this happening and the current established mature woodland would help act as both a visual and audio shield for local residents.