Hexham MP Joe Morris has welcomed a pledge from Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reconsider how the long-discussed dualling of the A1 in Northumberland could be funded.
Mr Burnham said he would work with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to find an “alternative way” to fund the upgrade. His comments came during a visit to Newcastle on Wednesday, August 19, when he also said he would not “conveniently forget” the transport problems that local people have campaigned about for decades.
What the Prime Minister said
Speaking during his visit to the North East, Mr Burnham acknowledged concerns about the region’s transport links and said the A1 remained an issue for him.
“I am one of those who comes up here a lot. I would be the first to say that the infrastructure that people have here is not fair in terms of the lack of transport infrastructure. The A1 is an issue that I am not going to conveniently forget because I am now in the position I am in.”
He said the Government’s devolution plans would give the North East more power and that Downing Street would work with the mayor on regional changes. He added that officials would look at whether an alternative funding package could be assembled for the A1.
“I have said to Kim we will make devolution work in a way that is right for people in the North East, there is more power coming to the North East of England, that is a commitment and No 10 North will be driving these changes with Kim. For instance, on that issue, looking to see if there is an alternative way we can put a funding package together.”
Joe Morris welcomes renewed attention
Mr Morris said the announcement followed sustained pressure from himself and David Smith, and welcomed the possibility that the funding case could be reopened.
“After consistent campaigning and pressure from myself and David Smith, I am delighted that Andy Burnham has announced plans to re-examine funding for the A1 dualling scheme.
“People in Northumberland have been waiting for decades to see this vital infrastructure improved, and I'm happy that the Prime Minister is doing what successive governments have failed to do.”
“I'm glad to hear that Andy has listened to the calls from David Smith and me, along with Mayor Kim McGuinness, on this issue, and I look forward to seeing it resolved once and for all.”
The comments do not announce a confirmed construction timetable or a final funding decision. Instead, they indicate that ministers and the North East mayor will explore a different way to finance the proposed upgrade.
Campaign follows fatal crashes
ChronicleLive has been campaigning for the A1 to be dualled through its “Dual the A1 and Save Lives” campaign, working alongside political, business and community leaders.
The campaign has gained fresh urgency after three people were killed in three separate crashes during May and June. Its petition calling on the Government to reconsider the case for dualling had attracted 3,736 signatures at the time of the source report.
For residents across Hexham and Northumberland, the next stage will be to see whether the promised discussions with Mr McGuinness produce a viable funding package and whether the long-running proposal advances beyond renewed political attention.