14 January 2011 – The South East’s Green Euro MP is calling on Oxfordshire County Council to re-consider their plans for a new Cogges Link road. Keith Taylor MEP, who sits on the Transport Committee in the European Parliament, today visited the site of the proposed new road to meet local campaigners, David Condon and Owen Edwards. He expressed dismay that money is due to be spent on this scheme at a time when the council is making cuts to key services such as youth centres and libraries.

Keith Taylor commented: “The UK is currently failing to meet EU air quality standards. A new multi-million pound link road will only create more pollution, damaging the health and wellbeing of Cogges residents. I support the assessment of Friends of the Earth: this plan will do little to help reduce carbon emissions and will be a blight on the Windrush valley and Cogges hill. At a time when money is tight it’s important that we spend wisely – improving our air quality and investing in cheaper, green alternatives such as public transport, walking and cycling routes.”

Earlier in the day Keith Taylor will be visiting Cogges Manor Farm, meeting constituents at a local Green party stall and visiting local independent shops in Witney.