A CAMPAIGN group pledging to cut A120 journey times in half and create thousands of jobs has been supported by businesses.

Three of the region’s MPs came together with businesses in Colchester to back the case for investment in the A120.

The event was co-hosted by the Haven Gateway Partnership, who have been leading the A120 campaign, and Essex County Council, together with Colchester MP Will Quince, Harwich MP Bernard Jenkin and Clacton MP Giles Watling.

This year the Department for Transport will begin to look at which road schemes will be included in Roads Investment Strategy from 2020 to 2025, with final announcements to be made next year.

The Haven Gateway Partnership says the A120 is not fit for purpose, and with growth pressures for up to 38,500 new jobs and 51,500 new homes, a clear plan for improvements is needed.

Their study suggests such improvements could generate £1.3 billion of economic activity a year and offer journey time savings of up to 56 per cent on certain sections.

George Kieffer, chairman of the Haven Gateway Partnership, said: "The great strength of this campaign is the united support of the business community we have shown over the past four years.

"We must thank all our MP partners for the work they are doing in Westminster, and locally, to get the funding we need next year.

"Will, Bernard and Giles have been steadfast in their unerring commitment to improving our regional infrastructure for businesses and residents.”

The group received confirmation in the budget of July 2015 of funding for a feasibility study for the stretch of road between Braintree and Marks Tey, with the aim of getting the scheme into the 2020 – 2025 roads programme.

They have also picked six key sites along the A120 which will be part of an Enterprise Corridor, stimulating growth.

1. A Stansted Airport Aviation and Business Area

2. Eastlink 120 Business Park in Great Notley

3. Colchester Creative and Digital Hub in Queen Street

4. Essex University Knowledge Gateway research park

5. Tendring Europark

6. Harwich Valley

Will Quince, MP for Colchester, said: "Securing improvements to the A120 is vital to unlocking growth across our region and improving the lives of so many local residents who travel along the route every day.

"I and my colleagues across north Essex will continue to work with businesses and the local authorities to make the case to the Department for Transport for the A120 improvements being part of the next Road Investment Strategy.”

To find out more visit www.a120.co.uk.