LINK ROAD

A link road between the new A6 bypass and Derby's Wilmorton area is being considered in a bid to cut congestion in Alvaston. The bypass, between the A50 and a new island which is now under construction in Raynesway, should be completed by the end of this year. Derby City Council is now proposing an extension to the bypass, linking the new Raynesway island with either Meadow Lane, Harrow Street or the stretch of London Road between those two roads. There has been provision in the Local Plan - the city's development blueprint - for a link road between Raynesway and Meadow Lane since the 1950s.

As part of the current review of the Local Plan, the city council is now revisiting the scheme with a view to easing congestion in London Road. The council is currently contacting 600 residents in the area who could be affected by the proposals, although Mr Price said no homes would be demolished and "very few" business premises would be physically affected. Any new road would pass behind a number of sidestreets to the north of London Road, including Eden Street, Lincoln Avenue and Hollis Street, but some business properties around Meadow Lane could be affected.

If a road leading as far as Harrow Street is preferred, the edges of Alvaston Park would also be affected. Councillor Lucy Care, cabinet member for planning, transportation and environment, said, "Land for an Alvaston bypass extension has been safeguarded for a long time, but we want to confirm that the best route is being protected for inclusion in the next Local Plan."