Date: 15 September 2007 15:42

MINISTER URGED TO PUSH FOR A14 ANNOUNCEMENT

The fight to have the A14 improved as soon as possible was taken to the 
recently appointed Minister for the East of England by Cambridgeshire County 
Councillor John Reynolds.

The Councillor met with MP Barbara Follett who pledged she would pushfor an 
announcement to be made over the congestion hit road as soon as possible.

In their talks Councillor Reynolds, Lead Member for Waste and Planning, 
described how desperate the region was for work to start as soon as 
possible.

The Minister agreed to make representations to the Secretary of State for 
Transport and to keep Councillor Reynolds informed.

Councillors are awaiting an announcement from Government on the new route 
for the A14 between Fen Ditton and Ellington.

Councillor Reynolds said: "The Minister, who represents Stevenage, 
understood the problems and said she had been caught up several times on the 
A14 herself. I explained how the road can become gridlocked and
the devastating effect that can have on local business. I made it very clear 
that the sooner an announcement was made on the new route the better and 
that work needed to start as soon as possible. Improving the A14 is key to 
the continuing success of the County. I was pleased with the meeting and 
felt that the minister understood the issues and I look forward to hearing 
what progress she makes."

John Reynolds