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Plea for clarity over future of A1 dualling

BBC A man outside a big Georgian farmhouse BBC
Land agent Louis Fell wants clarity so landowners can prepare for the future

People living alongside a major road that has been scheduled for widening for more than 15 years are urging the government to clarify the future of the project.

The previous Conservative administration finally approved a dual carriageway on the A1, between Morpeth and Ellingham in Northumberland, on 24 May.

But new Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves has now announced a review of "unfunded" transport projects.

Louis Fell, who represents many farmers whose land is affected, said: "We just need to know one way or another so we can plan for the future."

Following the chancellor's speech in the House of Commons on Monday, the Treasury confirmed: "The transport secretary will undertake a thorough review of all of the previous government’s transport commitments."

A picture of the farmhouse at Charlton Mires
The long-delayed project would create a continuous stretch of dual carriageway between Morpeth and Ellingham

The A1 dualling scheme was first raised more than 15 years ago and has already cost at least £67m, although construction has not begun.

One man, whose family farm was bought to make way for project, said he was "disgusted" at the amount of money spent.

Martin Beal's family had lived at Charlton Mires since 1904 but their home was bought by National Highways as part of advanced planning needed for the project.

The situation has left them in a state of uncertainty as they can not get planning permission to build a new property until their old one is demolished.

"The whole thing is just a joke, we've been living with this for so long," Mr Beal said.

A picture of a couple Martin and Amanda Beal sitting on a sofa
Martin Beal, whose wife Amanda has since died of cancer, says stress over the A1 plans made her last months more difficult

The Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council, Glen Sanderson, is also concerned about projects to deliver the Blyth Relief Road and changes to the Moor Farm roundabout on the A19 at Cramlington.

He said: "We need to know the detail, but clearly we have spent a lot of time and money on these projects and it would be disastrous if any of these were dropped.

"But not to go ahead with A1 dualling after spending nearly £100m on it already would be madness.

"The road is at a crawl and local people are desperate to see it built."

National Highways said it was unable to comment.

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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