Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, has written to the Labour-Liberal Democrat controlled Milton Keynes City Council urging them to rethink their plans for further roadworks near Newport Pagnell next month.
Last year, more than 1,500 residents signed Ben's petition against the closure of the A509 near Newport Pagnell for up to 18 months as part of the Labour-Liberal Democrat Council's MK East development. The council did not listen to concerns and has now announced year-long road works on the Willen Road.
While the road will remain open to traffic in both directions throughout the works the council has admitted this is likely to cause further delays.
Local MP Ben is frustrated that residents in Newport Pagnell and nearby areas such as Moulsoe are once again being hit with traffic chaos because Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors have ploughed on with their MK East development despite significant opposition.
In his letter to MK Council, Ben wrote: "My constituents in Newport Pagnell and nearby villages are growing increasingly frustrated with the almost never-ending road works causing delays locally.
"As you will know this is not the first time I have written about issues with roadworks in this area of my constituency. In 2022, I shared my concerns after the A509, Tickford Bridge and Tongwell Street all faced closures at the same time and last year I urged the council to re-think its plans to close the A509 for up to 18 months as part of the council’s MK East expansion with more than 1,500 residents signing my petition against the closure.
"It is therefore disappointing that the council has not listened to the concerns of residents as I have now been made aware of a decision to enable roadworks for around a year on Willen Road which the council has admitted will cause further delays despite the fact lanes will remain open in both directions. Although it is not the official diversion for the A509 closure, Willen Road is the shortest route so it has been used by many residents as a diversion. This extra set of road works will only cause further issues for so many of my long-suffering constituents due to this council’s decisions.
"I urge the council to think again and for once show some care and understanding to our rural residents in Newport Pagnell and beyond who have faced road closure after road closure in the last few years due to the council relentlessly pursuing its MK East development."