Tim Farron celebrates huge campaign win as A66 upgrade finally given the green light

After years of campaigning, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has warmly welcomed today’s announcement from the Government that long-awaited plans to dual the A66 from Penrith to Scotch Corner will go ahead.

The scheme was on hold shortly after the new Labour Government came into power, accusing the previous Conservative administration of failing to set aside the funds to take it forward.

Over the past 12 months, Tim has raised the issue on the floor of the House of Commons directly and continually with both the Chancellor and the Prime Minister.

Tim also joined the MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire, Rishi Sunak, in meeting with the Roads Minister to make the case for the project to go ahead.

Meanwhile a petition run by Tim and local Lib Dem councillors in Eden gathered more than 2000 signatures of support and was presented to Parliament back in March.

Speaking this morning Tim said: “I’m absolutely over the moon that the Government has finally approved vital plans to upgrade the A66.

“These huge improvements are long overdue, and will be essential to reducing congestion, boosting our economy, and saving lives.

“I’m so grateful to the incredible support we’ve had from local people who have helped us to win this campaign. I also want to pay tribute to the many people and organisations who have fought for this vital upgrade over many, many years.”

Jonathan Brook, Liberal Democrat leader of Westmorland and Furness Council said: “The A66 is one of our most important transport links across Westmorland and Furness.

“But for too long we’ve seen traffic regularly back up to the Kemplay Bank roundabout at Penrith, causing huge frustration for residents and visitors. And too often we see heartbreaking serious and fatal accidents happen on the stretch from Penrith to Brough. That’s why Westmorland and Furness Council have proudly backed this project and it’s why it was in our Lib Dem council manifesto back in 2022 to support it.

“Today’s news is incredibly positive and I’m grateful to everyone who has put pressure on the Government to reach the right decision.”