COUNTY councillors arriving for a meeting this morning (Wednesday, October 5) were greeted by protestors unhappy at proposals for work on the A358 between Taunton and Ilminster.

People from the village of Hatch Beauchamp turned out in force to lobby against plans to create a four-lane expressway.

They held up placards outside the meeting venue at the Canalside, Bridgwater.

The residents say they are concerned about National Highways' plan due to its “excessive scale” and because it would bisect communities.

They agree with proposals to improve the junction with the A303 at Ilminster and for a bypass at Henlade but say the four-lane expressway in between is “overkill”.

They are urging the county council to press National Highways to come up with a much-reduced scale project.

Cllr Kevin Comer, chairman of Hatch Beauchamp Parish Council, said: “We want the county council to get behind us and respond robustly to National Highways.

"An expressway is unnecessary, costly and will devastate the countryside and communities."

Somerset County Gazette:

National Highways, which has held consultations into the scheme, says the aim is to improve capacity of the road to reduce congestion, support economic growth, make the road safer and make journey times more reliable.

It also believes the project would protect and improve the environment and improve local people's quality of life by reducing the impact of the road.

VIEW THE PLANS: Click HERE for our story with full details of the A358 plans.

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