Transport Minister Stephen Hammond was urged yesterday to back the A47 Alliance campaign and improve the congested blighted road which provides a vital link for Fenland.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates, Cabinet Member for Community and Infrastructure, was part of a delegation with Norfolk counterparts which met the Minister to make the case for improvements.

The Under Secretary of State for Transport heard how an improved road would help reduce rural isolation and boost employment in Fenland and especially around the Wisbech area. He also heard about the work of the Wisbech 2020 Vision to improve the area, create jobs and support communities.

Improving the A47 which links Fenland to other major transport arteries has been the subject of a campaign which includes an alliance of Councils, MPs and other organisations.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates, Cabinet Member for Community and Infrastructure, said: “I urged the Minister to back the campaign to improve this highly used and congested road. Improving the A47 would help boost business and future trade and therefore create jobs and prosperity for the area. Our continued efforts to lobby Government for an improved A47 shows our commitment to Fenland and runs alongside groundbreaking work on the Wisbech 2020 Vision with our local partners. The County Council has been a member of the A47 Alliance for many years. We will continue to push for these improvements although we recognise the difficulties of finding funding for major schemes in a tough financial climate. I would also like to praise the delegation which went to London and the work of Norfolk County Council on leading the A47 Alliance.”