Staffordshire sets out joint commitment to major growth corridor plans to government minister

Improvements on the A50/500 to boost growth and investment was the subject of an adjournment debate in the House of Commons this week.

As a key partner in the growth corridor project, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader Martin Murray said continued joint lobbying of government was essential in maintaining its momentum and finally delivering results.

Recent analysis by transport body Midlands Connect which found that route upgrades could:

• create 2,000 jobs created by 2031
• generate a £116 million boost to Staffordshire’s economy
• add £12 billion economic output over 60 years
• support the delivery of 30,000 new homes
• extend  benefits to Uttoxeter (£30m) and Newcastle-under-Lyme (£11m)

Martin Murray said:

The A50/500 corridor is one of the county council’s top economic growth priorities and one where the strength and vision of the partnership is essential for its future delivery. Pressing our case for investment to the government is a vital part of this strategy and I’d like to thank the MP for raising this debate in Parliament.

Staffordshire is the beating heart of the country which is a key strength, with east/west connectivity increasingly important.

Ever growing use of the corridor means upgrading junctions and improving journey times is critical as we look to attract future inward investment.

We now look forward to continued close working with our partners to deliver on such a significant regional project which will make such a difference to communities and businesses.”

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport – Minister for Roads and Buses, said the government acknowledged the corridor’s strategic importance and the long-standing nature of the proposals and confirmed that the central section of the A50 near Uttoxeter and M6 Junction 15 are under consideration for future investment.