RISHI Sunak is assisting villagers in their fight to protect the landscape of a little-known Yorkshire dale during the upgrade of the A66.

The Richmond MP wrote to highways chiefs after being contacted by East Layton residents concerned about the visual impact of the £1bn dualling of the A66 Trans-Pennine route.

They are concerned that it will negatively impact the environment of Holmedale, the local name for the area which lies south of the existing east-west route.

Mr Sunak raised several issues with Highways England which East and West Layton Parishes had brought to his attention about the Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor stretch – including the height of the new dual carriageway and the visual impact of a new junction to serve the two villages.

Under revised plans for the junction close to Mainsgill Farm shop, the new road will be elevated over Moor Lane, the access road for East Layton.

Residents are concerned about the impact on the views south over Holmedale, the loss of tree cover and noise pollution.

In response, Highways England has given assurances about consulting local people about the location and design of the Moor Lane junction, that the elevation of the new dual carriageway will be no more than two metres and that residents’ views about landscaping will be taken into account.

Mr Sunak said he was pleased that Highways England was listening to local people and was committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue.

He added: “This is a vitally-important road scheme for a key part of the nation’s infrastructure and particularly for the North of England economy.

"But it is also important that these improvements are carried out with due regard for the legitimate concerns of local people.

“The beauty of this landscape is something that our local communities wish to preserve both now and for the long term and we should do all we can to mitigate the impact of the upgrading project.”

Claire Stewart, chair of East and West Layton Parish Meeting, welcomed Mr Sunak’s assistance.

She said: “The communities of East and West Layton and Carkin fully appreciate Rishi Sunak MP’s support in addressing our concerns and we look forward to working closely with Highways England to ensure that our beautiful dale is not adversely impacted by the A66 dualling."