Demolition work starts ready for Melton bypass

Work to demolish buildings to make way for the long awaited Melton Mowbray Distributor Road has begun.

Work has started to demolish Sysonby Farm on Nottingham Road to make way for the MMDR.

This is the first step on the long road to Melton getting its long-awaited bypass, over forty years after it was first proposed.

Less than a year ago, the Southern section of the road seemed to be at risk, but following 2,753 signatures on a public petition and concerted action by Alicia Kearns MP and Melton Borough Council, it was confirmed shortly before Christmas that a funding formula acceptable to Melton Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council had been reached.

This road has the potential to unlock up to £160 million in investment in Melton Mowbray, in addition to relief of traffic in the town centre.

Cllr Joe Orson and Alicia Kearns MP at the site yesterday. Photo: Handout.

MP for Rutland Melton Alicia Kearns said: "“For a generation, Melton Mowbray has been asking for a bypass. Now, forty years on, this important project, that will give our town the future it deserves, is finally underway.

I know how hard it has been to get to this stage, and I almost can’t believe that the first work has finally started. “I’m so grateful to Cllr Joe Orson for all he’s done to get the MMDR to this stage. This is very much the beginning of an even brighter future for Melton.”

Over the next few months, ‘remedial and demolition’ work, such as today’s demolition, will continue in earnest, with the beginning of construction of the road expected to begin early in 2023.

Leader of Melton Borough Council Cllr Joe Orson who visited the site yesterday said: "“Finally we can see work taking place. The relief road has been talked about for so long it’s great to see work on the ground.

“This is just the start and at the early stages but it’s a significant moment for the future of Melton and I want to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to get us to this stage, especially our MP Alicia Kearns and Leicestershire County Council colleagues.”