Jonathan Djanogly Member of Parliament for the Huntingdon Constituency was one of the first to visit the A14 Draft Orders Exhibition being held at Huntingdon Racecourse, last Friday. The publication of the Draft Orders by the Highways Agency had been delayed from the Spring and Mr Djanogly is urging everybody to get involved.
Mr Djanogly said
‘Since my election to Parliament in 2001, I have been campaigning hard for the A14 to be upgraded. The publication of the Draft Orders is a significant step forward. I was pleased to see the plans in detail. However, I used the opportunity to voice my concerns about the limited distribution of the Non-Technical Summary as well as the significant cost to local people of receiving the Environmental Statement.
‘I feel that the new A14 is vital from a health and safety viewpoint and it will represent a significant part of infrastructure that the Huntingdon constituency desperately requires given the current and anticipated growth in the local area. However, I would urge everybody to submit to the consultation by 6 January 2010, whatever their views, as this will indicate the strength of feeling locally.
‘I am very disappointed to learn that the construction commencement date has now been revised to Spring 2012 since I had been advised by the Minister, Chris Mole MP, in July of this year that the start of the planned works was still 2010/11. I am worried about the effect that this time slippage will have on the local economy as it seems that the government has failed to understand the full significance of a timely upgrade.’
EXHIBITION & CONSULTATION DETAILS:
1. The Public Exhibition at Huntingdon Racecourse runs form 9 to 12 October
2. A Public Exhibition is also being held at University Arms Hotel, Cambridge on Thursday 15/Friday 16/Saturday 17 October from 10am to 8pm and on Sunday 18 October from 10am to 6pm.
3. Draft Orders and the Environmental Statement can also be viewed at
- Huntingdonshire District Council, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TN
- St Ives Town Council, Town hall, St Ives, PE27 5AL
- Buckden Library, Millennium Community Hall & Sports Centre, Burberry Road, PE19 5UY
- Huntingdon Library, Dryden House, St Johns Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3NU
- St Ives Library, 4 Library Row, Station Road, St Ives, PE27 5BW
4. The Draft Orders are open for objection or comment until 6 January 2010
5. Objections must be put in writing to following address
The Highways Agency
Woodlands
Manton Lane
Manton Industrial Estate
Bedford
MK41 7LW
6. Comments other than objections can be e-mailed to A14ellingtonfenditton@highways.gsi.gov.uk
7. For a copy of Mr Djanogly’s letter to the Highways Agency concerning the consultation click here.