A GROUP of Norfolk and Suffolk MPs have begun lobbying government representatives in a bid to push the dualling of the A11 to the top of the agenda.

A GROUP of Norfolk and Suffolk MPs have begun lobbying government representatives in a bid to push the dualling of the A11 to the top of the agenda.

The new coalition government last week announced a raft of intended savings as prime minister David Cameron attempted to draw the country out of debt. This included an intention to cut the �6bn major roads budget in favour of reducing rail fares.

Some road schemes are due to get priority however and, on behalf of Norfolk and Suffolk MPs, South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss and West Suffolk MP Matthew Hancock met with civil servants at the Department of Transport to make the case for completing the road.

The last nine-mile stretch of road between Thetford and the Fiveways roundabout at Barton Mills has been the blight of many motorists, businesses and commuters across the eastern region for many years.

Ms Truss, who committed herself earlier this month to lobby for the dualling of the A11 said: “We have made an early start to making sure dulling the A11 is top of the Department for Transport's list of priorities.

“We are determined to fight for this to happen. This is a vital project for the economy and future growth of Norfolk and in particular would bring new jobs and growth to Thetford.”

A public inquiry into the potential dualling ended in January this year argument and a report from planning inspector Neil Taylor is due any time. A final decision will then be made by the secretary of state.

In a visit to Norwich during his election campaign, Mr Cameron said he would support the decision of the secretary of state for transport, now known to be Philip Hammond.

Mr Hancock added that it was time the wait was over and said: “The people of West Suffolk have had to put up with terrible traffic conditions and dangerous road safety along the short nine mile stretch of the A11 for many years.

“We want to ensure that that the dualling of the A11 is the top priority.

“We all know the budget will be tight, but our goal is to ensure that the dualling is at the top of the queue for whatever budget there is for the Department of Transport.”

Mr Hancock said the MPs were planning to take the matter to the Minister arguing the importance of the scheme.