MPs continue foght for A11

THE issue of whether to dual the final section of the A11 was given a boost when local MPs visited the site in an attempt to keep it at the forefront of political minds.

THE issue of whether to dual the final section of the A11 was given a boost when local MPs visited the site in an attempt to keep it at the forefront of political minds.

South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss and West Suffolk MP Matthew Hancock spoke with people living nearby, local businesses, and owner of the Elveden Estate Lord Iveagh as they continued their campaign to secure enough money to complete the dual carriageway from London to Norwich.

Earlier this year it was announced a final decision on whether to expand the nine-mile section between Thetford and the Fiveways roundabout at Barton Mills would not be made until after the government spending review in the autumn.

While this angered many supporters, both MPs pledged to fight to secure what little money there is in government coffers.

Lord Iveagh said: “It was a very positive meeting with Matthew and obviously the more we can do for the road the better so tremendous news it remains the topmost priority.”

Speaking on Friday from near the A11, Mr Hancock said it was important to keep the project top of the agenda.

He added: “The decision on the future of the A11 is being made at the moment and as the two local MPs, Elizabeth Truss and I want to keep up the profile and demonstrate how important it is to the local area and to the whole of East Anglia.

“It's the number one priority and we know that the improvement to the economy would be enormous but we also know the money is very tight so we want to make sure it's the top priority.”

Mr Hancock also paid a visit to the nearby shop and post office where sub postmistress Magi Tendlebury voiced concerns about the single carriageway.

She said: “We're open and we have an area where people can sit and have a cold drink but it's very difficult for them to stop, especially if they're towing a caravan.

“It's also very difficult for the local people to try and get across the road. We also have a paper round and we have to start at 5am to avoid the traffic. We have to cross the A11 about five times and if it's half an hour later there is too much traffic.”

Ms Truss said research by the government's transport department had showed every �1 invested in dualling the A11 would create a benefit worth �19.

“It is more valuable than virtually any other project on the table in parliament,” she said.

A public meeting will now be held on September 17 at 7pm in Barton Mills Village Hall for anybody interested in the subject of the A11.