"We're forgotten" Residents react after Staveley bypass scrapped

The Derbyshire Times visited Staveley to speak to residents after the Department for Transport removed the Staveley Bypass from the Major Road Network (MRN) and Large Local Majors (LLM) Programme, following the programme review.

Residents and politicians have expressed disappointment and anger as the proposed route would have helped reduce traffic congestion by diverting through-traffic away from the heavily congested A619 running through Brimington and Staveley as well as unlocking the Staveley Growth Corridor, including the former Staveley Works site, for new housing and employment.

Local authorities have stated they will continue to look at alternative options and make the case for future regional infrastructure support.

On the streets in Staveley residents said they felt the area was ‘forgotten’ and complained about increasing pollution and congestion.

Mark Ward-Taylor, of Inkersall, said: “It's deplorable. The main road from Sainsbury's is always chock-a-block. The recent temporary traffic lights were an absolute nightmare through Brimington.

“The bypass has just been put on the back burner for years and years. All we have got now is more pollution and traffic backing up all of the time. It’s getting very bad going up Crematorium Hill.”

Mark’s wife Elaine agreed.

She added: “The more houses being built the worse it gets.

“I remember this being mentioned years ago. When my mum and dad went to buy a house they were told about a compulsory purchase order due to the bypass. That must have been 40 years ago. It's like we're forgotten. Look at London; their public transport system is excellent and the infrastructure is there.”

Resident and town councillor Paul Wilson, said something needed to be done to relieve congestion.

He added: “I'm very disappointed that it's not going ahead. Perhaps now is the perfect opportunity to reopen the high street as a possibility to alleviate some of the traffic issues.

“I think it needs looking at again.”

Gillian Shephard, of Mastin Moor, agreed traffic problems in the area had increased.

She added: “It's taken me over 20 minutes today to get here from Mastin Moor.

“There are more cars on the road now. There are three-four people living in one house and they sometimes all have cars. The roads are too busy and something needs to be done.”

Mark Haslam, of Inkersall, felt public transport needed to be improved.

He added: “The main problem is the amount of houses being built not the roads.

“Look at how the Continent deals with it. They aren't building roads but the public transport is much better.

“Public transport has got to be affordable and reliable. I support the idea of the tram train coming into Chesterfield. When my mother moved here in 1989 there was a bus every 10 minutes from Staveley.”

Elaine Smith, of Hollingwood, said she preferred using public transport.

She added: “I think the bypass is needed. When there are roadworks, it's terrible. Since I've had my bus pass I use the buses all the time. I find the service good for what I need.”