MARK Jenkinson MP has renewed calls for Cumberland Council to take urgent action on works to the dangerous Broughton/Brigham junction.
The MP previously presented a petition with over 1,000 signatures to the Roads Minister as part of a long-running campaign to revive the roundabout scheme.
The proposals were shelved after it was determined that they did not provide sufficient value for money.
However, Mark then secured promises from National Highways that they would look at the plans again and would investigate new data provided by parish councils.
Alongside that, as promised by the Roads Minister, funding was provided to Cumberland Council for Local Transport Priorities.
The MP has now launched a fresh appeal to ramp up pressure on the local authority to help deliver the shovel-ready project.
Mark said: “When I met the Roads Minister again to discuss this project, he was clear that a small capital contribution could make the business case palatable to National Highways.
“The Transport Secretary has also asked the Council to consult Members of Parliament to understand our priorities for this new funding.
“Unfortunately, the Council is yet to approach me to understand my priorities for this funding – and I want to stress that my door is always open.”
“If we are to get these much-needed junction improvements, we need to keep the pressure on Cumberland Council to do their part.
“This is why I am launching a new appeal to my constituents here: www.markshar.es/build-it. Every signature counts. Ask your friends, and neighbours to join the campaign.
“We need this petition to be even bigger than the last one so we can really demonstrate the strength of feeling locally.
“I promised I would identify funding streams for this, possibly through the council, and I have delivered. I hope the council is willing to work with me and with Government to deliver this project for the good of the area and the safety of my constituents.”
The Government has announced an additional £149m for local transport priorities, as part of the HS2 reallocations.
This comes alongside £130m for highways maintenance confirmed recently, the funding for the upgrades to the Cumbrian Coast railway line, and £millions in additional funding for sustainable bus routes.
The Local Transport Fund starts from April 2025, with £148,747,000 over 7 years, and National Highways could start quickly if they had confirmation now that Cumberland would commit just a fraction of one years' funding.
