Rutland MP secures improvements on the A1 between Tinwell and Colsterworth
Since my election, I have promised to secure safety upgrades along the A1, and I am so pleased to report that work is now underway, writes Rutland MP Alicia Kearns (Con).
Five improvements have started between the Tinwell Junction and the Colsterworth Interchange, and whilst over the next few decades we will need many more improvements, I’m delighted to see these first upgrades begin.
As chairperson of the A1 MPs working group, I met with Highways England last week to discuss this work and the further upgrades needed to the A1.
I also raised traffic diversions in Greetham and Caldecott, in addition to my long-term goal to change the models by which Highways England decides which junctions to prioritise for safety upgrades, ensuring rurality is taken into consideration.
Our rurality also presents a unique set of challenges for our wonderful local schools, so I am very pleased that 23 schools locally have been awarded Government funding as part of the National Funding Formula’s (NFF) sparsity factor. This funding will help ensure that our schools have even more support to give our children access to the very best education they deserve, no matter where they live. This comes on top of the highest pay increase for teachers in 30 years and an extra £2bn for our education system.
I’ve been lobbying Government Ministers recently over special educational needs (Send) funding and the need to reduce waiting times for assessments, so I welcome the Government’s newly published Send plan. Too many families in our communities have had to come to me and my team for help, and it’s crucial children get the earliest possible diagnosis and resulting support.
Following the Government’s Send announcement, I had the privilege of meeting a group of inspiring young people at Rutland Disabled Youth Forum.
It was great to hear their feedback on what more the Government should be doing to support members of our communities living with a disability, as well as being put through my paces with questions about my role as an MP!
Out and about in our communities, it was a pleasure to meet representatives from Rutland Parish Councils at our summit recently (I’m hoping to make these an annual event from now on). Road safety concerns and the damage caused by HGVs travelling through our rural villages was at the forefront of many of your concerns, and I raised these issues with Highways England just last week.
Concerns regarding the building of new housing developments on quality agricultural land were also widespread and as many of you will be aware, following my campaign against Mallard Pass Solar Plant, I will continue to do everything I can to protect our agricultural land.
Down in Westminster, I had a productive meeting with the Home Secretary to discuss a number of local priorities. I raised my amendment to the Bill to make food production and farming sites critical national infrastructure sites, an important amendment that would ensure our farms and food production sites are protected from disruptive animal rights extremists. I also discussed the urgent need for a livestock worrying law and the introduction of training for 101 operators on rural crime.
It was an honour to round off the week being chosen by the Conservative Selection Committee of Rutland and Stamford to be our Conservative candidate at the next election.
Due to the decisions of the Boundary Commission, there was no option to stand again as MP for Rutland and Melton as our constituency is being split in half.
But I will continue to tirelessly serve our communities across Rutland, and hope that after the election I can serve you again.
