Hope for a new airport link road (From Barry And District News)

Hope for a new airport link road

BARRY'S dreams of seeing the building of a vital access road have taken a step closer to becoming reality.

Campaigners hopes of a highway linking Cardiff International Airport directly to the motorway have won national support.

During a recent debate, Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith was told by the new transport minister Alistair Darling that he believed road links should be improved. Supporters argue that poor residential roads leading to the airport stop it reaching its full potential.

And with low cost airline 'bmi baby' new at the site, the need for a improved route has increased.

The hoped-for new road will relieve congestion from Culverhouse Cross and should make the journey to the airport easier for millions of travellers.

One local family flying from the airport yesterday, welcomed the news. Father-of-two John McDonnell said: "It will make it so much easier if there was a direct route from the motorway to the airport, for both commuters and residents."

His wife Angela added: "Although it's a pleasant trip, it must get a bit much for people who have to travel along here to get home or go to work."

Ian Johnson, 54, lives on Port Road West. He said: "The traffic is terrible. It gets even busier at rush hour, but there isn't a quiet time throughout the day. It will make it much easier for the holiday-makers and people who live around here." MP John Smith added: "I'm delighted Mr Darling has recognised the need to improve links. I now look forward to the Vale Council, the Assembly and the Government working together to put a plan into action."