Hopes upgrades to roundabouts could finally be approved

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.

- JAMES ROBINSON

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.

Speaking at Wednesday's meeting of the county council, Cramlington councillor Mark Swinburn questioned whether there had been any progress on the issue.

Addressing deputy leader Richard Wearmouth, Coun Swinburn said: “Our administration has repeatedly made the case for improvements to Moor Farm and Seaton Burn roundabouts.