Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Member of Parliament for Berwick-upon-Tweed has today called for a debate in the House of Commons on the communications and consultation strategy of Highways Englands in regard to the A1 closure. Anne-Marie raised this issue at Business Questions with the Leader of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom MP. The Leader of the House told Anne-Marie that she was absolutely right to raise this important issue on the floor of the House of Commons and raised the possibility of a debate on this matter. Anne-Marie has called a public meeting about the proposed A1 closure at the Blue Bell Hotel, Belford on Saturday 24th February at 11am. The meeting will be attended by Anne-Marie, Leader of the Council Peter Jackson, and David Wheatley, who is Head of Scheme Delivery at Highways England. This public meeting has been called following a meeting that was held by Anne-Marie with Peter Jackson and Highways England, regarding the proposed closure of the A1, which will be closed from Warenford to Wandylaw from 2 March for 17 days.
Anne-Marie said “It is vital that these matters are raised in Parliament, so this situation and the failure of Highways England to properly communicate and consult with the community can be raised with Ministers. This has caused incredible anxiety and worry in north Northumberland with many businesses and residents concerned for their livelihoods after being caught completely by surprise on such a major issue that will affect their lives.”
“I want to ensure that this never happens again and communities do not have to feel the way that ours has over recent weeks. I would encourage everybody to attend the public meeting on Saturday so that all the views and concerns of residents can be aired, and discussed fully, so that Highways England know exactly what people think of the consultation effort and that we can minimise the impact of any roadworks on businesses and residents.”