A LOCAL environmentalist has been invited to the European Parliament to present a case against the controversial Western Bypass.

John Whitelegg, the Green Party prospective parliamentary candidate for Lancaster, will travel to Brussels next week to discuss a new framework for European ports and their development.

Prof John Whitelegg said: "I am delighted to be asked to take part in this high level discussion. I will be saying that all European ports should play a much bigger part in transport in the future (and receive a lot more money) but only if they can reduce the number of lorries that they attract. The port of Heysham is a really good example of what I mean. Heysham is rail linked but sees road transport and lorries as the only way to develop in the future. I will argue that the port of Heysham should be funded for rail freight with provision for lorries on the back of trains. The deal is that there will be no Western Bypass."

He added: "I want Heysham to be a really successful 21st century port. This means more jobs, stability and more benefits to the local economy. Heysham will become one of the most environmentally responsible and successful ports in Europe. Getting rid of the bypass and getting lorries out of Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham is the first step to success."