Trinity Mead, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thursday 12 August 2004:

Cllr Alan Smith, Chair of Warwickshire County Council declared the new eastern extension of the Stratford Southern Relief Road open today and became the first person to officially travel along it in one of Stratford’s famous open-topped buses.

The new road – which connects the A3400 Shipston road to the A422 Banbury road – gives traffic a new route around the south-east side of Stratford. It also offers access to the Trinity Mead housing development, which is currently under construction.

In front of official guests Cllr Alan Smith cut a ribbon and then saw for himself the entire length of the new road.

The road has been built by contractors Wrekin Construction under the supervision of Warwickshire County Council. The 1.2 km single-lane carriageway has taken six months to complete, at a cost of approximately £2 million. It has been funded by Heron Land Developments Ltd, Taylor Woodrow and Stratford District Council, the consortium responsible for Trinity Mead.

Shortly after the official opening ceremony, the road was opened to general traffic for the first time and was quickly being used by drivers, eager to shorten their journey times.

Cllr Alan Smith said: “I am delighted that Warwickshire County Council is involved in this prestigious project to provide access to the new Trinity Mead housing development south of the river Avon. The road will provide a useful bypass route on the south-east side of Stratford, which will help ease traffic congestion at the Alveston roundabout."

He continued: "The project is a great example of partnership working and we are pleased that it has been completed on time and within budget.”

Issued: August 2004