29/10/03 - County Council welcomes High and Low Newton By-Pass news

Today, Rex Toft, Leader of Cumbria County Council welcomed Transport Minister David Jamieson announcement that the A590 High and Low Newton by-pass has been given the go-ahead and is included in the Government’s Targeted Programme of Improvements for roads.

The £22m by-pass will bring significant benefits to the communities of High Newton, Low Newton and Ayside by removing over 90% of traffic reducing accidents and improving the environment.  Council Leader Rex Toft says,

“I welcome today’s announcement by the transport minister.  This is good news for the communities of Low and High Newton and Ayside and comes after years of local campaigning.  Although new roads in National Park areas are not generally approved, the Government decided that the compelling safety and environmental issues involved needed to be addressed.

We are pleased Mr Jamieson listened to us when he came to Cumbria on the 6thOctober when we lobbied him on the High and Low Newton by-pass.  I understand that the timetable for the 2.4 mile dual carriageway will be decided after programming, prioritization and funding matters are considered.  I look forward to hearing from the Government when the scheme is likely to go ahead.