John Mann MP - 15 February 2008

15 February 2008

Having driven down the A1 through what was one five lane ends, it is clear that this superb new road investment is just what was needed. Blyth roundabout will soon be finished as well. Now we urgently need a bridge at Elkersley to complete a hat-trick of major road improvements for our area.

I was shocked not to see Elkersey in the East Midlands strategic plan agreed by all East Midlands councils. Even worse they are as usual failing to see the vital importance of improvements to the A60, desperately needed and the A57. The A60 needs both road layout improvements and a lower speed limit with cameras outside Carlton, North and South, whilst the A57 needs dualling.

Yet again regional boundaries impair obvious need. Which begs a wider question about where our future lies.

Should we join with the move for a Sheffield city region as North Derbyshire is doing? Sheffield would clearly like us, with its Universities particularly keen. Or should we link with Nottingham as city leaders there would probably like. I think not. Or do we go it alone. If so at what price?

The A57 shows the weakness of isolation and the A60 both north beyond Oldcotes and South to Warsop shows how we have been low down the pecking order for roads over the last 40 years. When I got roads minister John Spellar here to agree the A1 improvements he was shocked at the state of our roads. Now I intend to get his successor up. But what is your view: Sheffield, Nottingham, go it alone, Nottinghamshire or even Doncaster? One thing is for sure, other areas are ahead of the game in making strategic alliances for jobs and industry for the next 30 years. Where does Bassetlaw's future lie?

Everone from resident to commuter to business should have a view and it is not just cars and jobs. The future direction of our schools and colleges. The links of our health service. Where our buses and trains go and where we shop is all part of this equation. We have a huge choice to make and today I begin the process of opening this debate out to the general public. For too long we have blown with the wind. Now we need to determine our own future.