Recent press speculation that suggested funding needed to dual the Acle Straight was off the table caused concern amongst Great Yarmouth businesses and residents. As Member of Parliament, I have long campaigned for these improvements to our local road network and I shared this concern. I immediately contacted the Roads Minster - Baroness Vere of Norbiton - to seek urgent clarification and confirmation that funding had not been ruled out. The minister has confirmed, in writing, that no decision of road improvement funding has been made for the 2025-2030 period. This means that funding for an Acle Straight upgrade is still possible.
Securing the funding of the Acle Straight is not going to be easy, but I welcome the clarification that it remains possible. As the Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth, I will continue to make the case forcefully for the need for this work, which would complement the already announced work on a Third River Crossing and improvements to the A47 roundabouts.