Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine has revealed work to resurface the M3 motorway will be brought forward AGAIN.
Back in the Summer, the Highways Agency responded to a long running campaign to bring a quieter surface to the road by saying junctions 9-14 of the M3 will be resurfaced in the financial years 2015/16 and 2016/17.
However, Mr Brine has learned the works will be accelerated into this financial year with the completion due by April 2015.
Resurfacing work in the vicinity of Shepherds Down School, which was instrumental in bringing the campaign to the attention of the MP and Ministers, will be done before Christmas.
Steve Brine said; "When I received this news from the Highways Agency I had to check it wasn't delivered by a man in a red suit. I was pleased we managed to get the work brought forward from 2020 but this is a bonus. It's real Christmas comes early stuff for thousands of my constituents who will rightly be thrilled.
"I am especially pleased for the children and staff at Shepherds Down School who were so instrumental in getting us to this point. While resurfacing is not the only source of motorway noise, we know it makes a huge impact which equates to some 3 decibels of sound difference when compared with the existing surface."
Headteacher Jane Sansome from Shepherds Down added; "I am delighted. Noise from the motorway is so difficult for children with autism and hyper sensitive hearing so this is brilliant. It's going to make a huge difference to us, particular when the children are outside. What a lovely Christmas present."
Compton & Otterbourne Ward and Parish Councillor, Mike Southgate said; "This is brilliant news which will be warmly welcomed by the residents of Otterbourne, Compton and Shawford. The change of surface should bring some much needed relief to the area including the three schools. It is a great example of local people, Parish and District Councillors working with the MP to achieve a solution."
Pictured; Steve and the children of Shepherds Down School (with Headteacher Jane Sansome in blue top) celebrate.
More information ...
Listen - Steve's short clip on this story (MP3 download)
