ONE of the region’s MPs has said there is a “compelling case” for major investment in the A75.
For years local campaigners and politicians have called for an upgrade to the trunk road which links the east of the region with the west, with many arguing the route should be turned into a dual carriageway.
Secretary of State for Scotland, and Dumfries and Galloway MP, Alister Jack’s comments bring those in support a positive development in the long-running saga, as he says a strong case will be made for the project in an upcoming UK-wide transport study.
The Union Connectivity Review (UCR) is believed to have received a number of submissions from individuals and organisations with an interest in the Gretna to Stranraer stretch, which forms part of the E18 Euroroute from Northern Ireland to St Petersberg.
Mr Jack recently held discussions with the chair of the UCR, Sir Peter Hendy, where the Scottish Secretary said he “again pressed the case for the A75.”
He added: “I’d like to thank constituents who have also given their views and made submissions to the review team.”
“An interim report is due out very soon and I look forward to reading the detailed recommendations.
“In my view there is a compelling case for upgrading the A75 as part of a strategic streamlining of transport infrastructure linking Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
“The recently passed Internal Market Act would allow direct UK investment into key strategic projects in all four nations. These will be particularly important as we re-energise the economy after we emerge from the pandemic.”
Mr Jack also echoed dismay expressed by local MSP Finlay Carson at Holyrood last week, who said at a committee meeting during a discussion on a petition to dual the A75 that he was “disappointed” to not have received a response on the matter from the First Minster “despite repeated letters.”
Mr Carson added: “This route is undoubtedly becoming more important and the petition does have the support of the major transport haulier associations and the ferry companies. So I would ask the committee to consider writing again to the First Minster to get the information that was requested way back in Nov 2019.”
