On Monday 26th June, Jo Churchill MP met with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, leading councillors and other key stakeholders of the 'No More A14 Delays' campaign to discuss the key objective of securing funding through the Roads Investment Strategy Phase 2. Liaising with Highways England and the Department for Transport, the programme aims to make the best possible case for improved Suffolk infrastructure, including its roads and connectivity.
Mrs Churchill went on to meet with Jonathan Denby of Abellio Greater Anglia ahead of the Great Eastern Mainline Rail Taskforce meeting, due to be held on Tuesday 4th July. The taskforce, in conjunction with New Anglia LEP, aims to make a strong economic and business case for East Anglian rail investment as real improvements will need strong investment by Network Rail. Meeting with Abellio, Mrs Churchill wants to ensure Suffolk as well as the region as a whole, reaps the benefits of efforts to deliver improved rail infrastructure.
Commenting, Jo said:
“Pursuing improved infrastructure in Suffolk, whether our roads or railways, is about ensuring twenty first century connectivity for residents. In 2015, we secured essential funding for trains running in Suffolk and across the region. Now, as part of a key election pledge of mine, I want to see more funds focused on Suffolk infrastructure.
We have a fast growing economy and one which needs the right infrastructure in place to deliver. Meeting with Abellio Greater Anglia, our region’s franchise operator, as well as with the campaign to improve the A14 and other key roads which connect our region, I am pushing forward with my election pledge to deliver for my Bury St Edmunds constituency.
It is the aim of the campaign to meet with the Department of Transport later in the year, to put forward our vision and make the case for improved Suffolk roads.”