THE battle to bring about major improvements to the A590 and the A595 was taken to the heart of Westminster when I asked the government to commit to investing in these two key roads.
Years of under-investment have rendered the main arteries of Barrow and Furness ill-equipped to serve our communities.
The regular appearance of red traffic signals – often when no roadworks are being carried out – is a source of frustration for us all.
Our emergency services are sometimes compromised by hold-ups and when severe weather arrives our communities can become isolated.
Our local economy is growing – driven forward by the shipyard – and we have the potential to lead the way on renewable energy, leisure, and tourism.
It is therefore of enormous importance that these roads are brought up to scratch.
It has been good to see work commencing on improvements to the A595 at Grizebeck – but modernisation is also required elsewhere on this route.
Last week I raised these issues in separate meetings with the Roads Minister at the Department of Transport, Westmorland and Furness Council, and National Highways. I’m pushing for a long-term approach, rather than the sticking plasters we have seen in the past.
Decades have come and gone with countless residents and businesses joining the chorus of disapproval about our third-rate transport infrastructure.
Some of our roads were laid down during the era of the horse and cart and they cannot cope with the size of the vehicles or the volume of traffic in the 21st century.
Things have to change for this generation and for the generations to come.
I am determined to make improved transport links one of my priorities and I feel sure I will have your support.