The Conservatibve administration has finally forced through at the third attempt the controversial Rapid Transport Route through back gardens in Newbridge.

This costly two lane highway for one bus every 15 minutes or so will not solve congestion problems and will cause considerable environmental damage. The Liberal Democrats are continuing to challenge this decision. The BRT is now subject to an Article 14 declaration, which means that Secretary of State John Denham will decide whether or not to call for a public inquiry into the scheme.

Council officers were even phoning around to businesses and others trying to whip up some support for the scheme.  And it is not that there are not alternatives available. The Conservative administration has simply refused to consider the Liberal Democrat alternative based on work to improve the Lower Bristol Road, such as the widening that has been promised for years.  This would actually help to reduce congestion in Bath.

And with the much welcomed announcement to electrify the London Bristol rail line now is surely thentime to refurbish and renew stations at Corsham, Box and Bathampton and get people onto rail and ride solutions from their local stations.