THE MP for Central Devon has welcomed the overhaul planned for the region's roads. On December 1, the Government announced a £15-billion overhaul of the nation's roads, paying specific attention to certain areas in the South West. Part of the plan includes widening large stretches of the A303, aimed at reducing the bottlenecks that currently plague the road.

MP Mel Stride said: 'I am very pleased with the announcement and how seriously our government is taking the challenge of improving road access into the South West. Improving the A303 will have a huge effect on tourism across Devon bringing even more holidaymakers here in the years to come. This can only be good for the county's economy.'

The plans for the South West include £2-billion of the total £15-billion funding. The massive road scheme includes 84 new schemes across the country and will build 1,300 miles of new lanes.