23 July 2001
Atmel backs proposed New Tyne Crossing
Microchip manufacturer Atmel North Tyneside says the construction of a New Tyne Crossing is vital to helping it achieve its growth targets in the latter half of the decade.
Ross Forbes, Head of Human Resources and Communication at Atmel, said: "The existing vehicle tunnel is a bottleneck. Like most businesses located in the A19 corridor, we see the congestion as a block to economic development and a barrier separating people from job opportunities. Potential employees on the south bank of the Tyne are discouraged from applying for jobs here because of the delays."
"There are thousands of jobs scheduled to be created in North Tyneside, notwithstanding Atmel's own expansion plans, and South Tyneside is one of the poorest boroughs in the UK with one of the highest levels of unemployment. It is therefore logical to improve the transport links across this part of the river Tyne."
Jarrow councillor and Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) deputy vice chair Tom Hanson said: "I welcome Atmel's comments. The New Tyne Crossing is all about bringing economic benefits to the whole of Tyne and Wear. Those who oppose the tunnel on the grounds that it will generate more car usage do not take into account the cost of congestion in terms of investment and unemployment, the pollution caused by queuing vehicles and the current under-utilisation of the existing vehicle tunnel by public transport.The new crossing will also greatly improve safety for all users as traffic will flow in one direction in each tunnel.
"Of course there are issues impacting on communities on both sides of the river, especially around the construction of the new crossing. The PTA will do everything in its power to ensure the impact on local communities during construction is kept to a minimum."
Construction of the £120 million New Tyne Crossing between Howdon and Jarrow is expected to begin in 2004 and be completed by late 2006. It is expected that a Public Inquiry into the project will be held next year.
Issued
on behalf of consultants Arup by Bradley O¹Mahoney Public Relations
Contact Richard Simpson on (0191) 281 8833