Tim Farron and A590 campaigners win change of heart on Greenodd roundabout

South Lakes MP Tim Farron and fellow A590 campaigners are celebrating a major win after Roads Minister Mike Penning today pledged his support for a roundabout to be built at Greenodd junction on the A590.

In a reversal of the announcement made by the Highways Agency last week to scrap the plans, the Minister today said that subject to judicial process, the project will go forward as a committed scheme for 2013/14 and pledged £500,000 for the scheme to be drawn up.

The change of heart follows a meeting today with Tim Farron, Barrow MP John Woodcock, Liberal Democrat County Councillors Janet Willis and Rod Wilson and local resident and campaigner Mark Southern, who have consistently campaigned for the roundabout at Greenodd junction as part of a series of measures to improve safety on the A590.

The Minister said he recognised the safety imperative of the proposals given the increasing pressures of residential, business and tourist traffic in the area. The half a million pounds pledged today represents roughly a quarter of the total £2.15 million expected cost of the project. Mike Penning also stated his intention to visit Cumbria and troubled A590 spots during a two-day visit in August.

Commenting, Tim said: "I'm delighted at this result and I want to thank Mike Penning for giving the roundabout at Greenodd his personal support. The large roundabout proposal is the only option that will ensure the safety improvements so essential at this crash-prone junction. The decision today to pledge half a million pounds to the project is fantastic news.

"I thank all those who have campaigned with me not just to overturn the Highways Agency's decision in the last week but consistently over the last 10 years to improve safety on the A590. I look forward to welcoming Mike Penning to Cumbria in August and to continue talks on these wider safety issues.

"I am certain that we would not have had our victory today if it wasn't for the hard work of our community, campaigning to achieve this change of heart."

Janet Willis, Cumbria County Councillor for Low Furness, added: "This is a great result for local residents and I am glad that Mike Penning has recognised the importance of this roundabout. We see every day the problems that are caused at this junction, for too long this problem has been ignored and I welcome this renewed commitment to the roundabout today.

"This shows what can happen when we speak with one voice to make change happen for our local area."