RISING costs fuelled by the invasion of Ukraine have caused delays to the Southern Link Road, a critical piece of infrastructure to “unlock” the city’s 10,000 homes scheme.

The project is currently in the works to build a relief road south of Carlisle linking the M6 to the A595 at Newby West.

The infrastructure project is key to the delivery of St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, a residential development which will see 10,000 homes built South of Carlisle by 2030.

READ MORE: Work due to begin on Carlisle Southern Link Road

Carlisle City Council’s portfolio holder for housing, economy and enterprise Marilyn Bowman presented a report to members on Tuesday.

And council heard that the relief road is delayed as Cumbria County Council needed more time to award a contract for stage two of the build.

Councillor Bowman’s portfolio holder report said that “this reflects the increasing financial risks and market uncertainty associated with supply chains, labour and material shortages as well as rising energy costs which are now exacerbated by the recent events in Ukraine.”

Speaking at Full Council this week, independent councillor Paul Nedved said: “With regard to the Carlisle Southern relief road, I’m sure you’re as aware as I am this is a critical infrastructure project for both the south of the city, east-west connectivity and the new garden village.

“It is a matter of some concern that progress seems to have stalled, one would hope the city council is using its best energy with the county council and the Member of Parliament (to ensure) these infrastructure projects go ahead.”

Cllr Nedved said: “It’s absolutely pivotal for the development of the city that the southern relief road goes forward.”

Councillor Mrs Bowman said: “I am aware that there has been a delay with the link road, however, work is continuing and will continue, there might be a little bit of a hold-up, we might not get it exactly on time. It isn’t exactly what we would have wanted.”

But she said: “If anyone’s been out round that area you will see work is actually underway on the bypass.”

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council said: “Due to the ongoing uncertainty associated with supply chains, the cost of construction materials and rising energy costs, caused by a number of factors including Brexit and Covid, and which is being exacerbated by recent events in Ukraine; the decision by Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet to award the stage 2 build contract for the Carlisle Southern Link Road was deferred. It will now be considered at a future meeting.

“The council remains committed to finding a way to address these challenges and is in intensive dialogue with Carlisle City Council and Government to continue to make progress with this important scheme which is vital for the growth of Carlisle and unlocking housing for St Cuthbert’s Garden Village project.” 

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