In the Budget today the Government pledged funding to Cornwall Council to support the development of a business case for improvements to the A391 in mid-Cornwall. This is part of the Government’s commitment to £7.2 billion investment in transport infrastructure in the South West over this Parliament.
Steve Double, the MP for St Austell and Newquay, welcomed this news as a critical building block for the growth of the economy in the St Austell area.
Commenting, Steve said,
“During the election campaign I made it clear that securing funding for vital infrastructure was a key priority for our area. I am delighted that the Government has announced the necessary funding for the first step in the process within two months of the General Election.
The wider St Austell Bay area and indeed the whole of Cornwall, will benefit from this increased connectivity, and open the area for new investment, better-paid jobs and opportunities for our young people. Additionally a new road would provide a much needed bypass for the villages of Roche and Bugle. These villages currently suffer from heavy traffic including large lorries making their way to and from St Austell and the A30.
In my election campaign I stated one of my priorities would be to work for a new A391 road to the A30 and I am delighted that just a few weeks after the election this road is now a step nearer. I will continue to work with Cornwall Council and push for this project; for the business case to be delivered and for work to begin. Our Long-term Economic Plan is working, but I will continue to fight to ensure that the people of Cornwall get their fair share of the available investment.”