The Prime Minister has weighed in on the controversial route of the proposed A66 upgrade between Appleby and Brough.
A £1 billion plan to dual the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner has received significant backlash from the communities of Warcop, Musgrave and Sandford which could see a new four-lane highway move closer to homes and businesses.
Just after noon today, Penrith and the Border MP Neil Hudson put these concerns to Boris Johnson as part of Prime Minister’s Questions who said local feedback will be considered.
“I very much welcome the A66 Northern trans-Pennine project from Penrith to Scotch Corner,” said Dr Hudson. “This £1billion project will improve safety and congestion and help to level up our region, supporting jobs, essential services and tourism.
“But we have to get the project right.
“Will my right honourable friend ask his Government departments of Transport, the Ministry of Defence and Defra to work together pragmatically and reasonably with suggested route amendments to ensure local communities such as Warcop, Musgrave and Sandford are not left blighted by current plans?”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson replied: “He is right that the development that he refers to is part of an infrastructure revolution and I think will transform the country.
“But he is also right that we should consider local feedback from stakeholders and the community when finalising the design and so we will.”
