MEMBERS of the M6 Link Committee have given unanimous support to Lancaster City Council's modification of the Local Plan.

The modification will ensure that completion of the Heysham-M6 Link Road remains a priority and will forbid any development that could prejudice either the western or northern routes.

The Committee believes that the Western Bypass is the key ingredient to solving Lancaster and Morecambe's traffic problems - as well as assisting economic regeneration within the District.

M6 Link Committee Chairman Alan Dick said: "I am delighted that all key players are now united in their support for the Western Bypass.

A recent report by the Northwest Regional Development Agency supported the preference of both the County and City Councils for a direct road link between Heysham and Junction 33 of the M6, 'because the western route provides additional regional and local benefits, which the northern route does not'."

He added: "An important consideration in the ultimate choice of the route will be its likely impact on the environment.

The Committee believes that once built, the Western Bypass will have minimum impact on the agricultural landscape south of Lancaster.

This view is supported by reports on the recently constructed Newbury Bypass, (which, unlike the proposed Western Bypass, passes through a Site of Special Scientific Interest), the verges of which are now described as 'a haven for wildlife and fauna."