Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP has recently discussed the Air balloon diversion scheme with Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council.

Mr Clifton-Brown, commenting afterwards, said that he agreed with the County Council’s decision to ask the Highways Agency to abandon this scheme in view of the level of public concern.

The Cotswolds MP went on to say: “The traffic congestion at the Air balloon is a serious problem.

“I will continue my long-term campaign to find a complete and acceptable solution.

“In the meantime smaller scale works, such as an extra carriageway up Leckhampton Hill, as well as alterations to the Birdlip junction to make it safer and other measures such as repositioning the Air Balloon roundabout, should all be looked at.

“I have already pledged to hold a public meeting in Elkstone to see what can be done to deter through traffic from rat-running through small village roads,” said Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP.