Somerton and Frome Liberal Democrats

Working with David Heath MP & Local Councillors

DAVID HEATH CLAIMS VICTORY IN A303 ROW

12.43.05pm GMT Wed 17th Dec 2008

Local MP David Heath has welcomed today's announcement by the Highways Agency that they will withdraw plans for a closure of the A303 for a full review. The U-turn comes after Mr Heath raised the issue in the House of Commons last week , and following a meeting with the Minister of State at the Department of Transport Lord Adonis.

David told Parliament last Thursday that the plans, which would have meant the total closure of the A303 for nearly three months and extensive diversions, were "extraordinary", and said,

"Aside from the West Country, I can think of no region of the country where the main arterial route could be closed for a quarter of the year for the convenience of contractors, rather than in the economic, environmental and social interests of the people whom I represent".

David said that the meeting with the minister had been most useful.

"Lord Adonis clearly understood the issues involved, not least because unlike his predecessors he actually knows the A303 well and recognised the enormous difficulties this closure would represent. He said he would contact the Highways Agency and ask them to think again, and he has been as good as his word."

David warned that there may still be disruption when the repairs go ahead. He said:

"Obviously I am delighted the current plans have been shelved and the whole matter is now to be reviewed. But it's almost inevitable that there will still be substantial disruption and inconvenience when an alternative scheme is considered; I just hope that it will take into account the interests of the people who live and work around the A303 and not just contractors. The total closure of a road as busy as the A303 for nearly a third of the year was always an absurd proposition."

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Previous news story: DAVID HEATH WELCOMES U-TURN ON RURAL DOCTORS (Wed 17th Dec 2008).
Next news story: DAVID HEATH MP CALLS FOR MORE HELP ON SOMERSET FLOODS (Wed 17th Dec 2008).

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