The A69 upgrade was specifically mentioned in this year's budget following a successful campaign from local Conservatives, Cllr Ian Hutchinson, Dr Jan Harding and MP Guy Opperman who have been working hard to ensure that Government understood the importance of upgrading this important link road. 

As part of a wider transport investment program in the north, the Chancellor announced that he would be pressing ahead with plans to upgrade the A69 following a joined up team campaign from Guy, Ian and Jan.

Cllr Hutchinson commented “I am relieved that the Chancellor has listened to our arguments in order to get the A69 upgraded. I know that residents in Haltwhistle and around Tynedale have been waiting for years to see action on this and we are clearly making progress.”

Dr Jan Harding commented further “Haydon Bridge and our surrounding villages need 21st century transport links to be able to prosper, this is excellent news for business and residents and I look forward to working closely with out MP and Ian Hutchinson to ensure that we speed up the process and get the diggers out!”

Cllr Peter Jackson (Leader of Northumberland Conservatives) added

 “This goes to show what a joined up team effort of Conservatives from Hexham through to Carlisle can achieve when we work together with government. We have made the case for the A69, government has listened and I look forward to the inward investment which I’m confident will follow thanks to this news.”