Moor Farm campaign success
Following a sustained campaign from Emma, it has been announced today that Moor Farm roundabout will finally progress to upgrades.
Since being elected in 2024, Emma has been lobbying for the long overdue investment including holding debates in Parliament, meeting the Chancellor and Ministers to make the case, meeting with National Highways and coordinating a letter from business leaders across the North East.
Emma also fought for changes to the Green Book, announced earlier this year, that support greater investment for the North East following the previous assessment, under the previous government, rating the investment as poor or low value.
Today’s announcement sees Moor Farm roundabout listed in RIS3 for development to be delivered, with consultation on the scheme expected this autumn and a business case currently being developed.
Speaking in Parliament today, 26 March, Emma said:
“The Secretary of State and others in this place Mr Speaker will be aware of my campaign for investment in Moor Farm roundabout. The current situation causes misery for local people and is choking investment not just in my constituency but across the North East.
“I’ve held debates, asked questions, had meeting with Ministers, National Highways. In fact Mr Speaker I have spoken about it more than 50 times in this place. But I’m feeling lucky today so I wondered if the Secretary of State had any update on my campaign to secure the crucial upgrades”.
In response the Secretary of State said:
“Mr Speaker I am delighted to confirm that improvements to the A19 at Moor Farm have been included in the pipeline of schemes that we have asked National Highways to develop for construction.
“I would like to thank my hon friend for her tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituency and for making such a strong case for this scheme in particular”.
Following the announcement, Emma added:
“Since being elected, I have worked tirelessly to make the case for Moor Farm. When the Secretary of State for Transport was in the region last year, she mentioned how I never ‘miss an opportunity to tell me that it’s a massive priority’.
“I am delighted that this work has paid off – despite some local Conservatives branding it ‘pointless’ – and that following years of it being overlooked and no money being allocated to upgrades, Moor Farm upgrades are moving forward with consultation later this year.
“By including Moor Farm in the pipeline, the government has instructed National Highways to develop the scheme so that construction can begin as soon as possible in the next Road Investment Period. This is a statement of intent from the Government, and a huge step forward for the scheme. This isn’t just about addressing the misery that the roundabout creates for local people, it is about unlocking the potential of our area, allowing investment to come forward that provide opportunities for people right across the North East.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the changes that this government have made to the Green Book and Freight Added Value, both making the case for investment in Moor Farm all the stronger”.
The Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP said:
“This is a transformational moment for people in Cramlington – a project talked about for years is finally confirmed by this Labour government. It will ease congestion, unlock growth and make a real difference to everyday life.
“This would not have happened without the determination and hard work of Emma Foody MP, who has worked tirelessly to get this over the line.”
National Highways have confirmed that following the announcement, consultation on the scheme will start this summer to develop the proposals for the upgrades at Moor Farm roundabout