Upgrades must be 'affordable' to become a reality

LABOUR'S transport secretary has warned that major upgrades to two notoriously congested roundabouts in Northumberland must be made "affordable" if they are to become a reality.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

Heidi Alexander said on Wednesday that the Government would have to "look carefully" at plans to cut queues at the Moor Farm and Seaton Burn roundabouts on the A19.

Her comments came after The Journal revealed how the schemes could cost between £300 million and £775 million. Ministers have been coming under pressure from local Labour MP Emma Foody and the Tory-led county council to back the proposals to expand capacity at the two problem junctions and end "daily misery" for commuters.

Speaking on a visit to Newcastle on Wednesday morning, Ms Alexander said: "I am aware just how congested those roundabouts and junctions can be, both in the early morning rush hour and the evening rush hour as well. Emma Foody doesn’t miss an opportunity to tell me that it’s a massive priority for her and her area that we come up with some solutions to address this.