News

ROADS Minister Baroness Hayman has promised to make sure Poole’s proposed new Harbour Bridge receives full consideration in the Government’s roads review.

The Baroness wrote to Poole Mayor Cllr Annette Brooke after seeing the Christmas card sent by the Borough of Poole to Gavin Strang, Minister for Transport.

The card, depicting Santa flying over Poole Harbour because the old lifting bridge was up, was designed by Old Town First School pupil Georgina Hunt, aged seven.

It has been incorporated into the on-going Daily Echo-supported campaign to keep the Poole Harbour Crossing in the Government’s roads programme.

Baroness Hayman wrote: "I am well aware of the strength of local feeling about the Poole Harbour Crossing, and I will ensure that the scheme receives full consideration in the Roads Review, the conclusions of which we hope to announce this year (1998)."

In a handwritten note at the end of the letter the Baroness added: "Please tell Georgina I was really impressed with her card!"

Cllr Brooke said: "We are delighted to have received this letter from Baroness Hayman, which indicates that our case for a new bridge is being given proper attention. I will certainly pass on the Minister’s message to Georgina."

Cllr Brooke, as First Citizen of Poole, was today (7 Jan 1998) the first person to sign a petition to the Government stressing the need for the new Harbour crossing.

Cllr Brooke added: "It is important for us to keep momentum going on the bridge campaign. This petition, and the new car stickers which are now available, will help to do that."

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