A Northumberland councillor is determined to push for the A1 dualing project despite government setbacks and funding concerns
Morpeth: A Northumberland councillor is not backing down. The deputy leader of the county council, Coun Richard Wearmouth, is still fighting for the A1 dualing project. Even though the government called it “poor value for money,” he’s determined to keep the campaign alive.
The plan to dual 13 miles of the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham was scrapped last October. Labour officials said the project was “unfunded,” and the Department for Transport estimated it would cost over £500 million.
At a recent council meeting, Coun Wearmouth expressed his disappointment. He mentioned that the Conservative-led administration met with National Highways after the news broke. He made it clear how upset both he and the residents were about the halted plans.
He said, “It’s a crying shame we’re not seen as value for money by this Government. We will be lobbying to change that.” He pointed out that the previous Conservative Government had approved funding for the project.
Coun Wearmouth also asked officials to keep the project alive in any way possible. He wants to ensure that all the work done so far isn’t lost. “Once Labour loses the next election, we can get back to work,” he added.
He’s pushing for planning permissions to stay open and for collaboration with Northumberland County Council to secure land rights. This way, they can protect the route and complete the project in the future.
The previous Conservative Government had initially approved the plans back in May, but the timing raised eyebrows. A General Election was already on the horizon, and polls suggested the Tories might lose.
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