MP slams Minister for ‘ducking’ questions on A432 bridge closure

Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young has criticised the Government for failing to recognise the impact of the closure of the A432 Badminton Road overbridge, following her debate in Parliament where she called for Ministers to ensure all those affected are supported.

Last night, Claire Young led a debate in Parliament about the closure. In it she highlighted several businesses who have been impacted by the loss of trade and the damage being done to the road network due to diverted traffic.

Roads Minister Simon Lightwood, responding on behalf of the Government, praised Ms Young as “a strong champion” but glossed over her specific requests – including for compensation for businesses affected, funding to fix nearby roads, and a safety review of similar bridges.

Claire Young has criticised the response as “hugely disappointing” and hit out at the Government for failing to address the issue.

Commenting after the debate, Claire Young said:

“For weeks I’ve been fighting to bring the issue of the A432 Badminton overbridge to Parliament and put Ministers on the spot about what they’re doing to help those affected by its closure. That’s why it’s hugely disappointing that the Minister ducked my questions.

“Work to replace the bridge is not set to be completed until 2026, meaning those living and trading near the bridge will have endured almost three years of disruption by the time it finally reopens.

“This risks local businesses, who have been staples of the area for years, being unable to survive and going under. Yet the Government continues to bury its head in the sand and has offered nothing in way of compensation.  

“The closure not only affects those seeking to travel locally but also those living in the small communities near the bridge. Many of the local roads have been forced to endure huge levels of traffic that they not built to take – leading to many crumbling away.

“I will continue raising this issue with the Government, pushing for action to support all those affected and ensure that in future we have a blueprint for other bridge failures.”