Roads Minister congratulates A30 campaigners
Roads Minister, Mike Penning, has today (Tuesday) congratulated the A30 Action Group and Cornwall Council for its proposals to bring forward the dualling of the Temple to Higher Carblake section, the last remaining stretch of single carriageway between Aberdeen and Carland Cross.
The Minister spoke to campaigners and Nigel Blackler, Head of Transportation for Cornwall Council, at a special meeting organised by North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson.
Cornwall Council has offered to meet the cost of developing the scheme so that it can go ahead as soon as funds are available. The Minister has agreed to have Highways Agency officials assist the Council in developing a design which will reduce the cost of the project by looking at and revisiting the engineering decisions in the present plans.
Mr Penning invited Council officials to present a business plan for the scheme, showing the costs and benefits of its going ahead, and how the project can and should be delivered.
Meanwhile, Cornwall Council has pledged to work with the local MP, and with local residents and businesses to find innovative ways of securing further funding for the project, without relying entirely on central government grants.
Commenting after the ministerial meeting, North Cornwall MP, Dan Rogerson said:
“The new Minister is extremely positive about the scheme, and clearly wants to see it happen.
“He is right to congratulate the A30 Action Group, which has been tenacious in campaigning with me to highlight the benefits to the Cornish economy that this dualling project would bring.
“There is now a chance of real progress, as the Government gives the green light to officials to work together with Cornwall Council to find funding so that work can begin.”
Mick Martin, Chair of the A30 Action Group added:
“We had a very positive response from the Minister today.
“Hopefully there’s light at the end of the dual carriageway!”
Henry Kendall, Treasurer of the A30 Action Group added:
“We’ve worked hard to secure this meeting, and to put our case to the Minister, and it is only by working together – Dan, the campaign group and Cornwall Council – that we have been able to take the scheme forward.”
Nigel Blackler, Head of Transportation at Cornwall Council added:
“We’re confident that the Council can demonstrate that the scheme will encourage economic growth, aid regeneration and business expansion and support tourism, since all are essential to the prosperity of the Cornish economy.
“We’re pleased to have the opportunity to work in partnership with the Highways Agency over the coming months to build the business case for this scheme.”
