Push for 'vital' road improvement to go ahead

The £1.3bn scheme to dual the A66 is under review by the government

Calls have been made for "vital" plans to improve a key road to go ahead, despite a government review.

Cumbrian MPs want to see a £1.3bn scheme to dual the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner to become reality, after it was approved by the previous government in March.

But the new government announced a review into all of its capital spending on transport.

The Labour MP for Penrith and Solway, Markus Campbell-Savours, said it was important for local MPs to make the case for the plans with the government.

He said: "What is important is that as this project is reviewed, along with many projects around the country, local politicians like myself are very clear with the government about how important it is for our local area."

The Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, last week wrote to the Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, saying he was "deeply concerned" the plans were under review.

He said it was "vital" for saving lives and boosting the local economy.

'Unfunded commitments'

When approached, the Department for Transport pointed out a Parliamentary statement about the review made by Ms Haigh, and said it included all of the department’s capital portfolio.

In the statement, the Transport Secretary said the move was to deal with £2.9bn of unfunded transport commitments making up part of a £22bn public spending gap - a claim disputed by Conservatives.

Colin Atkinson, owner of Penrith haulage firm Colin Atkinson Transport, said the A66 upgrade would make a "massive" difference to his business and that delays on the road due to congestion could be "very expensive".

"Under normal conditions, you can leave Scotch Corner and travel to our yard in about an hour and 15 minutes," he said.

"On some Fridays, that journey can take up to three hours."

'Impact on wildlife'

However, campaigners have begun legal action against the scheme, arguing the project will "cause great harm" to the environment.

Campaign group Transport Action Network said it would "cost more than it would ever deliver in any benefits" and would lead to "the loss of 18,000 trees".

The group's founder and director Chris Todd said: "It’s going to impact on the national landscape through the North Pennines and impact on important wildlife areas."

The group said its legal challenge is due to be heard in the High Court on 23 October.