'Affordable' A1 improvements being considered

THE Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the Government is looking at "affordable" measures for the A1 after plans to dual a section of the road in Northumberland were scrapped. How ever, Government officials have been unclear on what the options for the road may be.

- JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter

A scheme to dual 13 miles of the road between Morpeth and Ellingham was scrapped in October with costs estimated at more than £500 million. The previous Conservative Government had given the project the green light - but only after several delays. The timing of the Tory announcement was also criticised for coming just ahead of the General Election and with Labour well ahead in the polls.

Speaking to the news agency PA on a visit to Gateshead, th Chancellor admitted transport schemes in the north "have been neglected for too long".

She added: "National Highways are looking at value for money, affordable options for the A1. The previous Government put no money into those schemes, despite trumpeting them."

The Local Democracy Service has contacted both the Department for Transport and National Highways for further information on the options described by the Chancellor. Both departments declined to issue a statement.