Long-awaited roundabouts' upgrade plan under threat

LEADING councillors in Northumberland believe the Government is reassessing plans to upgrade two roundabouts on the A19. The Conservative-led council has long campaigned for improvements at Seaton Burn and Moor Farm roundabouts to ease congestion.

- By JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter

While the plans were included in the roads investment strategy (RIS) by the previous Government, assessments by National Highways branded the proposals “poor value for money” leading to fears they could be scrapped.

However, Labour has since committed to reforming the so-called “green book test” amid fears it unfairly favours infrastructure projects in the south east.