Call for improvements to M1 junction 'at heart of regional economy'

FEARS LACK OF INVESTMENT COULD DRIVE BUSINESSES AWAY

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

THE head of a project set to create 28,000 jobs in the East Midlands says businesses could leave the region without critical improvements to a congested junction of the M1.

Leaders have been lobbying for years about the need for the government to invest in Junction 24 of the M1, delivering upgrades and improvements to reduce congestion around the area.

The junction is described as playing a "crucial role" in connecting businesses to national and global markets given its proximity to the East Midlands Airport and East Midlands Freeport.

The Freeport site is expected to create 28,000 jobs and generate £9 billion in economic growth in the East Midlands over the coming years, but the man leading the project says the region could lose out without the M1 improvements.