Simon Ward

East Midlands mayor Claire Ward is urging the government to reconsider proposals to cancel the £600m A38 improvements in Derby and the A46 Newark Bypass in Nottinghamshire, which could be cut to help fund increased defence spending. The schemes are intended to reduce congestion and expand road capacity, while regional leaders argue that the East Midlands already receives below-average transport investment. Newark and Sherwood District Council leader Paul Peacock also called for the A46 project to proceed, citing severe congestion around Newark. The government has not yet made a final decision.