FEARS that the main road between York and Hull has missed out on transport funding have been branded as "premature rumours" by East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight.

Speaking in response to criticism over the Chancellor's Autumn Statement which did not mention improvements to the A1079, the Pocklington and Market Weighton MP said he has spoken to transport ministers about the need to see the A1079 receive upgrades and improvements to prevent economic growth for the area being hampered.

Mr Knight said: "The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced numerous road improvement schemes in his Autumn Statement, but these were all part of the strategic road network – that is, roads under the direct control of the Highways Agency.

"Hoped for improvements for the A1079, including dualling west of Pocklington, together with other safety improvements are likely to be made as part of the Government’s local growth fund strategy and a decision on whether or not to support the new A1079 bid is not expected until February 2015.

“Therefore, claims that East Yorkshire has lost out on A1079 road improvement money are wrong and at best premature."