RESIDENTS in Wittering are hoping it will be a case of third time lucky as plans get underway for a fresh application to have a flyover built across the A1. This latest application is spearheaded by city councillor Gavin Elsey (pictured second left) who convened a meeting to agree a comprehensive submission to National Highways.
Those attending included the head teacher at Wittering Primary School and representatives of nearby parish councils who support this long-running campaign to improve safety at what is a dangerous crossing point. Motorists driving southbound wishing to enter the village have to cross the A1 northbound carriageway to do so.
With fast-driving cars and HGVs travelling both north and south, this pinch point has seen many accidents and near-misses, said John Bradshaw, vice-chairman of Wittering Parish Council. "The A1 is a barrier on so many levels, making Wittering a socially isolated village lacking in transport facilities." In addition a designated cycleway and footpath runs through the village over to Barnack on the other side which means cyclists also have to cross the road.
"We've been very close on at least two occasions to getting funding allocated through the Roads Investment Strategy, only for residents to be disappointed due to late objections by some stakeholders," said Gavin. "With a growing village - more housing is being built - the problems are becoming more acute and we are now aiming to have this long-overdue project accepted into the 2025-2030 investment strategy."
Photo: MP Shailesh Vara (seated front left) has added his voice to the campaign
