James Wild MP for North West Norfolk has welcomed the government’s commitment as part of the Network North programme to upgrade Ely Junction.
This is a major upgrade scheme that MPs, business groups, local authorities, and other organisations have campaigned for. It will boost passenger services to and from King’s Lynn as well as enable more freight services across the region equivalent to 98,000 lorry journeys.
Speaking at Transport Questions in the House of Commons, James said:
“I warmly welcome the government’s commitment to upgrade Ely Junction which will boost passenger services to King’s Lynn in my constituency and will my hon friend ensure it now moves forward as rapidly as possible.”
In response Rail Minister Huw Merriman confirmed the government would press ahead with this scheme and said:
“As ever, my honourable friend is bang on when it comes to the Ely project. Ely Junction is a superb project that delivers for freight and I can assure you that we will be on that project and get it delivered.”
This approval for the project was made possible by the Prime Minister’s decision to stop Phase 2 of HS2 due to it being significantly over budget and delayed.
James also argued for ministers to approve the A10 West Winch Housing Access Road which is also one of the schemes in the Network North plan. He said:
“Can I also urge ministers to back Norfolk County Council’s business case for the A10 West Winch Housing Access Road to unlock housing, reduce congestion, and support growth and ensure that road scheme is approved?”
In reply the minister said that:
“Officials are currently assessing the outline business case submitted by Norfolk County Council and will be providing advice to ministers in due course.”
