More than 2,000 views for Ely bypass video

HUNDREDS of people have gone online to view the digital fly-through video of Ely proposed new £30.7million Southern Bypass.

The video takes viewers on a three-minute tour of the proposed structure, which will re-route traffic away from the city and the train station and over the River Great Ouse.

Conservative councillors say the proposal is imperative as surveys carried out in 2010 showed that the city’s rail crossing was closed for more than 35 minutes in every hour, a situation they say will only get worse.

Liberal Democrats and members of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Ely say that the bypass will blight wildlife and ruin views of Ely Cathedral for miles around.

Councillor Ian Bates, cabinet member for growth and planning, said: “In less than a week, the film showing our proposed solution to the congestion on the A142 around Ely has been viewed nearly 2,000 times which is very impressive.

“The responses we have had so far suggest the video is really helping people make up their own minds on the scheme especially with regard to the impact on the setting and landscape.

“Over the next few days, we will be in and around Ely to listen to the comments from residents and businesses about our plans and we would delighted to speak to anyone who has any queries.”

Consultation events are being held on: March 12, 4-7pm - Ely train station

March 14, 5-7pm – Witchford Village Hall

March 16, 9am-3pm – Ely Market

March 21, 4.30-7.30pm – Soham Village College