ROBIN Walker has kept up the pressure on dualling Worcester's Carrington Bridge - using a Commons debate to urge the Government to fund it.

The city's MP has taken part in a key debate in parliament, asking Transport Minister Andrew Jones what he intends to do to ease congestion in Worcestershire.

Mr Jones has taken the step of telling him the Government "recognises the importance" of the congested A4440 bridge.

It follows intense lobbying in recent months, which included getting Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to visit it before the General Election.

Mr Walker said: "He will be aware that the department classifies the southern link as a 'local road', but in fact it has enormous strategic importance, linking Worcestershire to Herefordshire.

"Upgrades to it have the support of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the Marches LEP, as well as of a large number of local authorities.

"Will he therefore take into account the strategic importance of that road in any decisions about funding?"

Mr Jones replied: "I do indeed recognise the importance of the A4440 and the Carrington bridge.

"It is of clear strategic importance to both counties, a point recognised by the county council, by the LEP and by the Secretary of State, who has visited it personally.

"That is why we have confirmed we will work with the county council to determine how further stages of the proposal can be taken forward."

Mr Walker then called the upgrade "vital" and said he was "delighted" to see the minister speak positively about it.

"I will keep pressing to make sure this essential improvement takes place as soon as possible," he said.

The council is spending £41 million of taxpayers' cash overhauling the rest of the A4440, dualling it in a huge scheme due for completion by mid-2018.

But the biggest roads revamp for a generation will stop at Carrington Bridge, with the eye-watering costs meaning it remains out of reach, although the council has pledged £7 million if another £63 million can be secured.

The county council is currently doing exploratory work to firm up the costs and benefits.