A consultation has been launched on long-awaited upgrades to a notorious Northumberland roundabout. It comes after the Government finally confirmed Moor Farm Roundabout, near Cramlington, would be revamped as part of the next Road Investment Strategy.
National Highways is consulting on two proposals for the upgrades from June 16 until July 28. The Government department will host a series of drop-in events as well as an online consultation.
Cramlington and Killingworth MP Emma Foody, who has campaigned heavily for the project in Parliament, encouraged local people to get involved.
The Labour MP said: “For too long, Moor Farm has caused misery for local residents, and has held back investment and opportunities for our communities. I pushed hard for this investment at every opportunity.
“Thanks to the campaign, proposals for Moor Farm are progressing. This is the first project around the country in the new pipeline to begin consultation, marking an important milestone.
“These upgrades are a real game-changer for our region and so it is vital that people have their says on the options and feedback on the proposals. As well as the drop in events, you can do this online or by writing to National Highways, with all the information on the National Highways website or available in local libraries.
“I continue to meet with National Highways, including just last week, and will also be feeding back the views expressed to me as part of the consultation.”
Ms Foody, who was first elected in 2024, held debates, met with ministers and officials and gathered support with local businesses in order to make the case for the scheme. The proposals will be revealed when the consultation launches on Tuesday.
Consultation events will be held at Cramlington Community Hub on Tuesday June 25 from 2pm to 7pm and on Saturday, June 27 from 10am to 3pm, as well as at John Willie Sams Centre on Tuesday, July 21 from 2pm to 7pm.
Conservative-led Northumberland County Council has also lobbied hard for the proposals, as well as upgrades to nearby Seaton Burn roundabout. Deputy leader Coun Richard Wearmouth welcomed the progress on the scheme, but warned Seaton Burn also required attention.
Coun Wearmouth said: “The county council, Cramlington Town Council, former and current MPs and Mayors have campaigned to get proper improvements at Moor Farm Roundabout. We welcome the progress such as it is and urge residents and businesses to take part in the consultation being done by National Highways between June 16 until July 28.
“Our clear message to the government and National Highways is that this work is urgent and needs to happen as soon as possible. NCC will make the case in our feedback for construction work to accelerate.
“The current proposed start date for construction works sometime after 2031 is not really good enough given the congestion issues we are already facing.
“We also will be stating clearly that Moor Farm is not the only problem on the A19. Seaton Burn roundabout is also a major point of congestion and it needs investment also. It would be good to see that message reinforced by all those engaging in the consultation.”
