Businesses in Scarborough have welcomed news from local MP Robert Goodwill about government investment to improve the A64.
The MP confirmed that up to £250 million is earmarked for the A64, where it will be spent on the Hopgrove Roundabout on the outskirts of York and dualling a major section of the A64.
This will allow ‘grade separation’ meaning vehicles heading to or from Scarborough can avoid traffic heading to York or Monks Cross, as well as dualling the A64 towards Malton up to Whitwell on the Hill.
Peter Wilkinson, Chairman of Scarborough Business Ambassador Forum said:
“This is a quantum leap in terms of investment and the employment of highly skilled people in Scarborough. We’re 40 miles from York but it often feels like much more because of the A64.
“One of the main problems is the Hopgrove roundabout which slows traffic and causes knock-on effects on both sides of the A64, so we’re delighted with this news.”
“Sorting this junction is a vital first step and will be a benefit to both the business community and the tourism industry on the Yorkshire coast.”
Barry Dodd CBE, Chairman of the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership said: This is a significant investment but it is only the beginning. Our LEP together with local companies have lobbied hard for this funding. The help provided by our MPs, Robert Goodwill and Anne MacIntosh has been invaluable. Clearly the government have listened and acted.
Improving the A64 from Scarborough, whilst addressing congestion around York and Harrogate are strategic priorities in our Economic Plan and this investment further supports the potential of the region. This investment takes the total investment secured into delivering our Economic Priorities to over £450m and will help deliver much needed jobs and growth to the area.
Jo Ager, General Manager at the Spa venue in Scarborough commented: “As the largest venue in Scarborough we attract people from all over the country. The road links are often quoted to us as a problem by customers so this is a huge opportunity for the town.”
Alan Pickering, Managing Director at engineering business Unison said: “This investment can’t come soon enough. Good infrastructure is key to good business and the many successful businesses in the town need these improvements as soon as possible.”
Gareth Edmunds, External Affairs Director at Sirius Minerls commented: “Improved transport links are absolutely vital to the business community, so projects that reduce congestion and improve connectivity are very much welcomed.”
Tom Paul, Director at Kingspan said: “As a major manufacturing business, issues with the A64 are a significant competitive disadvantage and in the past we have had to divert investment elsewhere due to the time and cost impacts due to the existing A64 road hold-ups. With the £250 million allocated we need to see it implemented as quickly as possible to provide a link from York eastwards to connect with the existing dual carriageway. This would give a good Phase 1 result, then a by-pass at Rillington as Phase 2.
“We trust this is a real and delivered plan which will actually be implemented.”