The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A newly-announced £15.2billion package to improve the country’s roads must be a “catalyst” for improvements in South Holland, MP John Hayes has said.
Following the announcement of the Government’s new Road Investment Strategy Mr Hayes, who is Transport Minister, said he wanted to do more to improve roads in Lincolnshire.
His comments follow a meeting in Downing Street of representatives of businesses and the food industry last month, in which Mr Hayes was urged to reconsider making the A16 a dual carriageway.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Hayes said: “For years our roads have been neglected.
“Now, because this Government is fixing the economy, we can afford to invest properly in our roads – unlocking jobs for the future and local growth by creating a road network fit for the 21st century.
“The improvements to the A1 and the A47 will bring very important benefits to road users from Lincolnshire.
“Farmers, growers, the food industry and hauliers use these key arterial routes day in day out.
“They have told me they wanted improvements to the link from Peterborough to the A1 – and on the A1 itself.
“This Conservative led government have listened and responded. We have developed credible plans, tested their feasibility and put the funds in place to deliver what road users need.”
Mr Hayes has vowed to hold a meeting as soon as possible with Lincolnshire County Council. the Chamber of Commerce, South Holland District Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership to develop a plan to improve the A16 and look at the A17.
He added: “Roads matter because they secure and maintain economic growth and nurture wellbeing.
“Living locally for almost 20 years means that I know and use these roads in my daily life and work; and that local knowledge means that I am best placed to fight for our area.”
