Leaders' plea for A160 works go-ahead

LOCAL leaders have sent a letter lobbying the Government's top transport boss over a scheme set to create thousands of jobs for the region.

As reported, local political leaders fear the forthcoming General Election could delay vital £125-million improvements to transform the A160 into a dual carriageway.

Now the Humber Unitary Leaders' Group, which includes Cllr Mark Kirk, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, has drafted a letter to Lord Adonis, transport secretary, saying the project 'desperately' needs to start.

Local leaders had originally expected the scheme to be given the green light in January, but the Highways Agency will not make the decision until March as officials fear the proximity to the General Election will mean it gets put back.

A council spokesman said: "We feel we need to keep as much pressure as possible at this time because we, as well as other councils, have been waiting for so long to get the go-ahead on the A160.

"It's vital for prosperity in Northern Lincolnshire and it will be very disappointing if any delay comes about as a result of the General Election.

"If this was at any other time we could be more relaxed, but with the election just weeks away it could be delayed until afterwards – the decision of any subsequent Government is anyone's guess."

The letter, sent direct to Lord Adonis and signed by Hull councillor and head of the Humber Unitary Leaders' Group Cllr Stephen Parnaby, expresses disappointment no decision has yet been made over both the A160 project and another scheme for Hull.

It reads: "It would appear, unless you can inform me to the contrary, it is inevitable no decision will be made on the two schemes prior to the General Election.

"What this means for the schemes is unclear.

"I conclude by urging you to review the decision, (both schemes) desperately need an early start."

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