HOPES of a major upgrade of the A64 between Scarborough and York have been dealt a blow after ministers said there was no money for the project.

The MP for Thirsk and Malton, Ann McIntosh, yesterday asked for commitments from the Government for short and long-term upgrades to the 35-mile stretch. However, during Department For Transport questions at Westminster yesterday, transport minister Mike Penning said the costs of dualling the road would be £500 million. He said: “There have been no representations from the local authorities.

“While the current spending cuts are going on, no commitment can be made.”

North Yorkshire county councillor Ron Haigh, a long-time campaigner for the upgrading, said he was “disgusted” at the decision.

He said: “There’s no way we are going to attract industry and work to the area and cut the number of deaths on that road until we have a dual carriageway.”