The fact that Highways England will finally be getting on with the £300 million A47 improvements between North Tuddenham-Easton, and that Norfolk County Council are making progress in driving forward their campaign to deliver the Norwich Western Link, should be welcomed by us all.

These key infrastructure projects are two positive steps forward for our region.

However, while we must not allow them to be delayed, I share the profound local concerns that, if delivered poorly, these projects could simply shift the awful rat-running issues plaguing communities to the north-west of Norwich to those communities to the west and south-west of the city. We must not let this happen.

That’s why I am pleased to be continuing my efforts to hold both Highways England and Norfolk County Council Highways to account for the local rat-running Taskforce that I helped to establish at the end of last year. We must ensure that a proper plan is put in place for the crucial Berry’s Lane/Wood Lane junction at Honingham, and that a comprehensive package of mitigation measures is designed and implemented in the surrounding area.

Last week, I convened a call with representatives from both Highways England and Norfolk County Council Highways, as well as local community representatives and local councillors, to reiterate the importance of this issue and push for progress in this area. I welcome Highways England and Norfolk County Council’s commitment to now design a proper community engagement plan – one that will ensure that the views of local people form the basis of the mitigation measures that will be required, and add to the consultation work that will hopefully allow Highways England to get the plans for the Wood Lane/Berry’s Lane junction correct.

Rest assured, I will continue to monitor progress closely – and hope to provide further updates soon.

To learn more about this campaign, please click here.