Newcastle leaders demand improved transport links to region

Mar 13 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

Dualling call

REGIONAL Minister Nick Brown has called for the A1 through Northumberland to be dualled in stages to ensure upgrading of the key road happens.

Mr Brown yesterday said transport links were vital and suggested a rolling scheme of improvements on the road. He said: "I think the only way forward is to keep bits of it in our regional programme and steadily over time, taking the accident blackspots first, build it."

Such an approach could secure funding from the Department for Transport, said the minister.

Mr Brown added: "I think we can get there, but take it steady and with a bit at a time we will at least get progress."

Sir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick, said: "That has been my policy all the time. The problem is that the Government has failed to do it piece by piece."