NORTH CUMBRIAN MPS PUT A69/A689 ON DEPARTMENT AGENDA IN WESTMINSTER DEBATE

Speaking in an Adjournment Debate on Transport Infrastructure in the House of Commons yesterday John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, and Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and The Border, intensified their campaign to find effective solutions to improve without further delay the issues of safety and congestion along the A69 in their constituencies, with the added need to ensure that there is no negative impact on the neighbouring A689.

The debate follows over two years of meetings and concerted attempts by the north Cumbrian MPs to assist local communities in finding a solution to the road’s problems. Their actions have included holding a number of community discussions with local councillors, attempting to establish a local-led cross-community ‘working group’ to ascertain potential solutions, meetings and communications with Cumbria County Council and the Highways Agency, and of course numerous approaches to the Department of Transport, culminating in a visit from the Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin in 2013.

Speaking on behalf of the many residents who have been calling for a by-pass for almost 40 years, Rory Stewart MP said: “We need to look at creative ideas such as a bypass and bridge at Warwick Bridge, to ensure that the misery of its inhabitants is alleviated“.

John Stevenson MP said: “The A69 is key for Carlisle, and my constituents would be delighted to see it dualled. In the short term, we would like to see improvements to it. I suggest that Guy Opperman, Rory Stewart and I make further representations to the Department about improving and ultimately dualling the A69.”

Acknowledging the serious issues at stake – Warwick Bridge is now the only village along the A69 which do not have one, and is one of the only remaining villages in the country not dissected by a main trunk road – Department for Transport Minister Claire Perry, responding to the MPs, thanked them for raising the issue of the A69, saying: “There has been a detailed review of the road. Tragically, more lives have been lost on the route recently. The road has been described as having a good safety record, but we have to be vigilant if we are to maintain that record.  We must also recognise that rural roads have specific problems. “

Speaking after the debate Rory reiterated the need to include communities along the A689 in discussions, and to avoid any negative impact that any improvement of the A69 might have on neighbouring rural roads. He said: “Fixing the A69 is absolutely crucial. But it needs to be done in a way that does not impact on other roads. It is vital to involve the communities of the A689 in the process, so that all discussions are transparent and inclusive. I have been trying very hard to help foster an environment in which such discussions can take place, and will continue to do so until a solution is found.”

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