Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, today met with the Chairman of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), Richard Ellis, to discuss how to move forward on the upgrade of the A11 between Thetford and Barton Mills. During the meeting Christopher Fraser and Richard Ellis also discussed the Agency’s regional economic strategy for the next 3 years, of which upgrading the A11 will be a key part.
Christopher Fraser has campaigned robustly for dualling of this last stretch of the A11, emphasising to Ministers that the lack of a dual-carriageway link to the national trunk road system is holding back the economy of Thetford and Norfolk as a whole.
Speaking after the meeting, Christopher said: “Successive Transport Ministers have made it clear to me that the only way forward is to secure priority support from Regional Government, which has responsibility for deciding priorities among competing local road schemes. Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State, confirmed to me today that, if the project has regional backing in terms of priority and affordability, she would look favourably on it.
“With the abolition of EERA, EEDA will take over the key role of advising the Government on regional transport priorities. I have made it clear to Richard Ellis that in my view long term economic success in Norfolk cannot be achieved without a proper road link. I was hugely encouraged by his confirmation that he shares my view of the key strategic importance of the project. He has however made it absolutely clear that the Government must put more money into East of England pot for the next spending round if it is to happen.
“Because of the earlier concession I secured last year from the then-Transport Minister, Stephen Ladyman to authorise the Highways Agency to press ahead with the statutory processes, construction could start early in 2010, subject to funding being agreed. I am determined to work with all interested parties to get this upgrade agreed and in work.”
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