Conservtives call for new Reform UK Nottinghamshire County Council leadership to get behind major A614/A6097 highway improvement programme

Reform have confirmed they will continue to discuss a major junction upgrade programme as they set their priorities for the county council.

Conservative Bruce Laughton called on the Reform UK-led authority’s newly appointed cabinet member for transport and environment, Bert Bingham, to join him in applying pressure on government to fund the A614/A6097 scheme.

This was at the first meeting of Nottinghamshire County Council after the May election, held on May 22.

While Reform’s new cabinet have yet to settle in and select their party’s priorities on the council — Mr Bingham assured he would continue to discuss the project going forward.

The scheme aims to improve the main road network between Ollerton and East Bridgford by enhancing major junctions along the route to reduce congestion and increase capacity.

£7.5m has already been secured from the East Midlands Combined County Authority for the scheme, and a further £24.34m has been allocated by the Department for Transport — but is awaiting final sign off.

Speaking at the meeting Bruce Laughton said: “Two months ago the previous Conservative administration secured £7.5m from the East Midlands Combined County Authority towards the vital A614/A6097 corridor improvement scheme.

“It is effectively the main north road through the county. This funding addresses a cost shortfall and serves as a catalyst for the government to consider the full business case for the scheme, and as the member for Sherwood Forest will attest to, is an integral part of the recent development of the Thoresby Colliery site.

“The DfT duly stated: ‘We continue to work closely with Nottinghamshire County Council and will make any announcements in due course’.

“Will the new Reform administration join with me in continuing to apply pressure on the Labour government and MP Michelle Welsh to ensure that the A614 A607 scheme goes ahead, given its economic importance to the country and the county?”

In a follow up, he asked whether the new authority would also secure council funding for the Bilsthorpe Mickledale Lane junction which had been removed from the main scheme to instead be funded by the council’s capital programme in order for it to be done sooner.

Cabinet member for transport and environment Bert Bingham explained he hadn’t yet been briefed on the project, and said: “As I have only today been appointed to the position, obviously I need to get up to date on this important point.

“I look forward to talking to you about it going forward — as I understand it and as our administration develops our priorities going forward.”