CHAOS FOR LOCAL VILLAGES

^{From 9th February 2009 the Highways Agency has decided to close part of one of the busiest roads in the country. Extensive roadworks will be taking place on approximately 6 km of the A303, commencing east of Mere and finishing at the junction with the B3089.}

William Wallace, Conservative County Councillor for Blackmoor Vale, which will be affected by this told us: "Inevitably people are not going to use the longer, designated diversion routes but are going to cut through our small villages such as Templecombe which will cause chaos. I am pushing Somerset County Council for a 7.5 ton weight restriction on the A 357 Henstridge and Wincanton road but this has not been agreed yet.''

Anthony Trollope-Bellew, the Conservative Spokesman for Highways at the County Council, expressed his incredulity at the dismissive way this major disruption had been handled by the Highways Agency and the Liberal Democrats at County Hall. "Not only has the Highways Agency failed to consult properly but the Portfolio Holder, asked recently about this by one of her own Liberal Democrat group, has admitted she knew nothing about this.

After the shambles on the consultation of the M5/A358 Loop scheme, the Portfolio Holder should have made sure that the Highways Agency consulted properly. But the Liberal Democrat administration has failed to stand up for the people of Somerset yet again. The Highways Agency continues to treat Somerset with disdain. This has got to change. ''

Note to Editors:

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew can be contacted on 01984 618254 or

email: ahtrollope-bellew@somerset.gov.uk

Cllr William Wallace can be contacted on 01963 370423 or 07770 638931.

email: wwallace@somerset.gov.uk