ALISTAIR Darling?s decision, reported on Monday, that the long promised dualling of the A303 as the second strategic route between London and the South West is to be scrapped in favour of a cheapskate, cobbled-up link to the already overloaded M5 is a bitter blow. It is further confirmation, if any were needed, that, from a Westminster perspective, England ends at Bristol and will in future end at Taunton. It is an appalling betrayal, not only of repeated ministerial assurances given, but also of the South West Regional Assembly ?the Government?s own creation ? which rightly identified the A303/A30 scheme as a strategic route, and the A358/M5 link as of local benefit to Taunton, but little help to the peninsula. The fact is that the A358/M5 ?option? was never an alternative ? merely a distraction. The real tragedy is yet to unfold. I predicted earlier this year that it will never happen: the local lobby for the distraction gained weight only because it was ?supported? by factions whose track record and commitment is opposing any road development at all. Having killed off the A303/A30, I now confidently expect that lobby to switch sides and campaign against the A358 improvement. Then, nothing will happen. One has to ask: was that what the Government wanted in the first place? Cllr Roger W Mathew West Devon Borough Council
