A LEADING A1 campaigner says she is “very optimistic” that progress is being made towards dualling north Northumberland’s principal road.

Conservative Anne-Marie Trevelyan believes the ball is in the campaigners’ court after meeting Minister for Roads Mike Penning in Westminster.

Mrs Trevelyan, director of the A1 Action Group, said Mr Penning had shown “great understanding” and was “very supportive”.

Now the Action Group has to build its case before the next spending review – and aim to be at the front of the queue.

Mrs Trevelyan, a north Northumbrian who achieved an 8.3% swing against Berwick Liberal Democrat stalwart Sir Alan Beith in the last General Election, said September’s Government upgrading of 65 miles of the A1 to a route of national importance gave the dualling campaign a stronger foundation.

Although the move did not automatically mean funding would be forthcoming, Mrs Trevelyan said: “The ball is very much in our court.

“We have to gather more data. For example, we are talking with the Hauliers Association, we are in regular discussion with the Port of Tyne Authority, asking them for the impact that a better road on the East coast could make.

“Next year we will hopefully be able to answer all the questions and put forward all the economic arguments.”

Mrs Trevelyan, a chartered accountant and school governor, added: “We are seeing a real supportive attitude towards the North East, towards expanding our private sector. But this stretch of road is a real hindrance to bringing in business.

“The country has no spare cash now, but we can see the growth just starting and I would hope that in the next spending review we would be up there in discussions.”

The A1 Action Group formed three years ago and quickly clicked into gear with a vigorous campaign to dual the A1.

Last week Mrs Trevelyan pressed Mr Penning on the cost of long-running roadworks on the A1 at Felton.

She said the money would be better spent on dualling the road and declared: “For months local people have seen roadworks along a section of the A1 between Felton and Alnwick.

“There seems to be very little work being done for the amount of disruption caused, and no doubt for the amount of money being spent.

“Scarce money is being used to spruce up a section of dual carriageway that is in the middle of a 60-mile stretch of dangerous single-track road.

“Surely this money can be better spent on permanent improvements to the A1 north of Morpeth?”