Fears A1 Northumberland dualling still 'years away'

People living alongside a major road say they fear it may still be years before work begins on the project to upgrade it.

The Secretary of State for Transport approved the development consent order for a dual carriageway on the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham on 24 May, after repeated delays.

The scheme was first raised more than 15 years ago and has already cost at least £67m, although construction has not begun.

Land agent Louis Fell, who represents many farmers losing land and properties as part of the works, has welcomed the announcement, but said: "There's still so much uncertainty about when or if it'll actually go ahead."

"As I understand it, before this scheme was delayed the contracts were in place with construction companies so that work could begin quite quickly, but now surveys will have to be repeated and new contracts signed," Mr Fell said.

"There is also a six-week judicial review period and if someone chooses to challenge the decision there could be further delays."

"Whatever happens, this is not going to be a quick process," he added.

Peter Hogg farms at Causey Park, north of Morpeth, and his land would be divided in two by the proposed route.

He said he had "not heard a squeak from anyone" since development consent was granted.

"I'd rather it wasn't built as it will have such an impact on our farm and obviously we've got an election ahead so that may change things too, but who knows?

"I'm just sick of it, we've lived with this as a family for far too long," he said.

National Highways was approached for comment but said it could not do so ahead of the general election.

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