Public exhibitions kick starts next stage of A303/A30 campaign

A series of exhibitions on improving the A303 is being staged during July by Devon County Council, supported by Somerset County Council. They are part of a study into improving the A30/A303 between Honiton and Broadway. The drop in sessions will set out the progress of the study so far and next steps to improve the route.

The study is part of a wider campaign, led by Somerset, Devon, Wiltshire and Dorset Councils, as well as the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, to lobby and put the case to Government to improve the entire A303/A358/A30 road corridor between Honiton, Taunton and Amesbury.

Exhibition dates:

• Wednesday 9th July, 2-7pm: The Beehive, Honiton
• Thursday 10th July, 3-8pm: Monkton Court Hotel, Monkton
• Monday 14th July, 3-8pm: The Sidmouth Arms, Upottery
• Tuesday 15th July, 3-8pm: The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster
• Thursday 17th July, 3-8pm: The Guildhall, Chard

As part of the study, a recent survey to understand the views of communities, road users and businesses between Honiton and Broadway, revealed that 97% want improvements to the route.

The study results will feed into the Government’s full review of the route from Stonehenge to Honiton, carried out by the Highways Agency, which will publish its finding in Autumn 2014.

Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth at Devon County Council said: “Improvements to the entire A303 is a priority for our partnership, so we are pleased that the Government is undertaking a feasibility study to consider future improvements along the whole length.

“We however recognise that securing improvements is a staged process and our aim is to upgrade the route between Honiton and Broadway to support economic growth and increase resilience for our communities.

“Feedback from communities is crucial if we are to put forward an effective business case to Government for improvements to this section of road. In addition, it will also help us put together affordable and deliverable options that are sensitive to the protected landscape.”

Councillor David Hall, Deputy Leader for Somerset County Council said: “The A303/A358 is one of two major road links from London to the South West.  Despite the fact it is a vital connection into the South West, it is slow and unreliable, which has a negative impact on the economic growth of the region. We need to identify a strategy that improves the traffic conditions of the route, increases safety and resilience while bringing economic growth to the area.

“This is just a first step on the road to bringing about real change as we are keen to see other sections  improved as well.  The economic benefits of upgrading this road are very significant for the entire region. We eagerly look forward to hearing Government’s response.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

For enquiries please contact Coast Communications on 01579 352600 or email becky@coastmarcoms.co.uk

More details can be found on the www.a303ahead.co.uk website.