COUNCIL taxpayers’ money in Fenland could be used to improve the A14 if it can be shown that upgrading “the road to prosperity” would give an economic boost to our region.

That was the reaction from Fenland Council Leader Alan Melton even though Cambridge City Council has refused to invest.

Cllr Melton told last week’s Cambridgeshire County Council meeting that he would be prepared to invest “in principle” if such an investment ensured Fenland had easier access to the new road.

He said that “investment in the A14 is absolutely vital for further economic growth in Fenland.

“It is particularly important in the absence of any other major announcements about improvements to the A47, the other main east-west route.

“We believe they would significantly increase the ability of the whole Cambridgeshire and Peterborough local enterprise partnership, of which we are a part, to achieve the sort of growth that we need in the district.”

The A14’s upgrade to a three lane highway has a chequered history that has seen the last Labour government agree to fund the massive project only to shelve the idea shortly afterwards.

The scheme was reinstated once more only to be deleted yet again by the present coalition government.

David Cameron’s transport advisors have now said the idea will be put back on the map providing they can secure a multi-partnership funding proposal.

Cllr Melton said he wanted to assure local people that no decision had yet been made on A14 funding as it would need further investigations.

Any decision would be a: “significant policy shift and commitment “, he said, which would have to be discussed by all members of the council.

County council leader Nick Clarke is spearheading a drive to improve the A14 with road tolls among the ideas being considered.