Plans to upgrade the A1 in Huntingdonshire received unanimous support by district councillors.

Members of Huntingdonshire District Council at the full meeting last Wednesday (February 25) gave their full backing to Councillor Terry Hayward’s motion to call on the Government to make a firm commitment to making the dual carriageway motorway standard from Brampton to Baldock as soon as possible.

The Buckden councillor, who is also chairman of the Buckden and Southoe A1 Safety Advisory group, also motioned for HDC to develop an A1 alliance with key partners, neighbouring authorities, the Highways Agency and members of parliament to lobby the Government for early investment in the scheme.

“I’m very delighted to get support for the scheme from the whole council,” Cllr Hayward told The Hunts Post. “The point was the whole of the county realises the scheme will not just benefit Buckden, Brampton, Diddington and Southoe, but one that will benefit the whole county.

“The Highways Agency is expected to publish a report by the end of the month what will include an initial investigation into the A1 and how it can be upgraded to motorway standard.

“What we are trying to do as a council is members will press our MP and the officers will work with neighbouring authorities – our chief executive is already working with counterparts in South Cambridgeshire and in Bedfordshire to improve the A1.”

Cllr Hayward added: “The A428 should happen in the next six years. It’s important the A1 is recognised as a priority. We have got two firm legs of a stall and we now need the creaky broken leg of the A1 to be upgraded.”

He also urged people to sign the petition to upgrade the A1, which so far has attracted more than 800 people.

INFORMATION: Add your name to the petition at www.surveymonkey.com/s/A1upgrade.