Taunton constituency MP Jeremy Browne has urged Blackbrook residents to respond to the Highways Agency consultation on the proposed new A358/M5 junction. He was speaking at a public meeting attended by 350 local people at the Blackbrook Sports Centre.

Jeremy Browne said:

“The Highways Agency consultation period ends on 18 May 2007. Any residents who are concerned about the impact of the proposed new junction should take this opportunity to make their views known.

“I expect people to raise concerns about noise and the visual impact from their homes. The northbound exit is projected to carry 4,000 vehicles a day so the Government will also need to conduct a cost-benefit assessment of whether the proposed new junction offers value-for-money.

“The loop design proposed by the Highways Agency looks like the worst option. It would go very close to nearby homes and obliterate the playing field.

“Local residents should also be using the consultation period to persuade the Highways Agency to examine alternative options. These include working on a design to take the A358 off the M5 just after the Haydon Lane flyover without going close to existing houses.