14 January 2019
A47 Alliance

While I am very proud that we have managed to secure the £300 million required for the first phase of A47 dualling, it is imperative that we now get the rest dualled in order to improve safety and ensure that Norfolk has the 21st century transport system it deserves. Only then can we unlock the true economic potential of our great county. The news that Heatrae Sadia in Norwich is consulting with staff over a possible production move to Preston, putting 200 jobs at risk, is another signal of the importance of the A47 and the work of our A47 Alliance. They are the latest manufacturing company to consider leaving the county, and it’s vital that we can retain these jobs and businesses (and attract more) by reassuring Business that accessibility in the East, both road and rail, will be improving in the near future. I remain firmly committed to working with the A47 Alliance and the EDP on their ‘Just Dual It!’ campaign, and I look forward to reporting further progress in the weeks and months ahead.