Welcome for road funding announcements

04 Oct 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Council Leader Glen Sanderson has welcomed commitments from the Prime Minister to improve Northumberland’s road network. 

In a speech today PM Rishi Sunak pledged to provide funding to dual the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham and a share of a £460 million pot to ensure the delivery of 21 smaller road schemes, including the Blyth Relief Road. 

Councillor Sanderson said: “We very much welcome the announcements from the Prime Minister today and the fact he recognises the importance for our county and the wider region of having roads and infrastructure fit for the 21st Century. 

“While we look forward to finding more detail there are clear commitments to Northumberland  

“We have long campaigned for the A1 dualling and were very disappointed when the decision was pushed back last month. We have continued to push on the Minister's door to get the best possible deal for the county and the region and today’s announcement gives us renewed hope this vital scheme will come forward shortly. 

“We had already submitted a business case to the Department for Transport to seek funding support for the Blyth Relief Road and were awaiting the outcome.  

“We are therefore delighted that at the announcement today which demonstrates the strength of our funding bid. The Blyth Relief Road will bring huge benefits for the town and wider connectivity to the raft of new developments taking place in the area. 

“A lot of work is already taking place to progress the planning for this new road and this is a great boost and will now enable us to take this scheme forward.”