Priti calls on Highways England to make A12 scheme decision
Priti Patel, Conservative Party Parliamentary Candidate for Witham, has called on Highways England to make a decision on progressing the A12 widening scheme based on the result of the 2017 consultation. Highways England have been forced to consult on alternative route alignment options for the section between junctions 23 and 25 as a result of flawed housing plans put forward by Colchester Borough Council, after the 2017 consultation had closed. However, Priti, who has campaigned for the widening scheme and secured a commitment from the Government to invest in this upgrade, has written to the Chief Executive of Highways England to reiterate local concerns with the options now put forward.
Priti said: “Local residents and communities continue to be extremely concerned by the appalling and ill-thought-through housing plans put forward by Colchester Borough Council, which have delayed the A12 Widening Scheme. This is an important project designed to make this road safer and support economic growth, but the Liberal Democrat and Labour run Council has shamefully delayed it.
“With Highways England now being forced to consult on part of the scheme again it is clear from the responses received that residents and communities want to see diggers in the ground and the work starting based on the 2017 consultation. Colchester Borough Council’s meddling has gone too far and it’s time Highways England made a decision on the route and moved this scheme forward.”