Priti calls for action on A12 scheme
Witham MP Priti Patel has called on the Government to intervene to end the delays with the A12 widening scheme. The Government committed to fund the scheme to widen the A12 between Chelmsford and Marks Tey through the Witham constituency back in 2014 and following a consultation in 2017 on route options an announcement on a preferred route was expected last year. However, changes in the development plan proposals put forward by Colchester Borough Council has caused the decision on the A12 to be postponed while problems with the evidence base for the Local Plan is prolonging these delays. Priti said:
“The widening of the A12 is one of the most important infrastructure investments in this part of England and will provide a major boost to our economy. We were supposed to have had a decision last year on the route and diggers in the ground starting work next year but all this has now been pushed back. The delays to the A12 widening scheme caused by Colchester Borough Council are damaging to the economy and had they planned their housing proposals more effectively we would not be in this situation.”
“Local businesses and residents need certainty and must know what the preferred route will be so they can make plans. The Government needs to intervene to get this work commenced as soon as possible and they also need to hold Colchester Borough Council to account for these delays.”
UPDATE [22/01/19]:
https://www.pritipatelmp.com/statement-on-a12-widening-scheme-from-the-rt-hon-priti-patel-mp/