MPs to debate improvements to Moor Farm roundabout in Northumberland
Cramlington and Killingworth MP Emma Foody has secured a parliamentary debate on the future of long-awaited upgrades to the notorious Moor Farm roundabout.
It is the second time the project to improve the A19 junction has been discussed in Westminster this year following an earlier debate Ms Foody also secured in June.
The Labour and Co-op MP has said she will make the case for investment in the roundabout at the Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday. It comes as leading councillors in Northumberland have suggested the scheme may be approved after all.
Entitled ‘Impact of infrastructure on development in Cramlington and Killingworth constituency’, the debate will focus on how the current situation at Moor Farm roundabout is a “blocker to growth” across south east Northumberland and North Tyneside.
Ahead of the debate, Emma Foody MP said: “We all know that Moor Farm roundabout causes misery for local people trapped in delays and congestion. But not only that, it is holding the region back by preventing investment in our area and harming growth.
“We can’t allow this congested and outdated infrastructure to hamper growth, jobs and development in our region. I’ve heard from businesses, local councils and others about how this is impacting them, and I will be putting this case to the Minister.”
Ahead of the budget, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said that she has asked Government ministers for help to “fix” the roundabout.
In a social media post, she added: “I’ll always stand up for what we need in the North East.”
The Department for Transport continues to consider the case for improving Moor Farm, along with nearby Seaton Burn, as part of a pipeline of major enhancements that are being developed for possible delivery in a future Road Investment Strategy.
Upgrades to Silverlink and Testo’s roundabouts further down the A19 have already been completed under the previous Government, but plans to carry out the Northumberland phase of the project have stalled. The Government’s current position is that the scheme remains under consideration.
Assessments previously threw the future of the project into doubt after it was branded as “poor value for money”. However, changes to the so-called Green Book test used by civil servants to assess the financial viability of projects prompted renewed hope that it could yet be approved.
At a meeting of Northumberland County Council earlier this month, Conservative deputy leader Coun Richard Wearmouth revealed that Government sources now claimed approval was becoming more likely, although it was possible work may not begin until the next decade.