Fighting to raise awareness of crucial transport issues in Taunton Deane, Rebecca Pow today welcomed Minister of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin to the constituency on a special visit to learn more about problematic roads around Taunton town.

Congestion in the area is a major issue and since the recent announcement of a plan to create a new business park close to Junction 25 of the M5 motorway, which could bring a much needed 4000 jobs to the area, Rebecca has been working to ensure the right transport logistics are put in place.  The prospective MP for Taunton Deane has voiced real concerns that unless the roads around the planned new employment site are improved, the congestion will get worse and the full potential of the scheme will not be realised.

Rebecca was at the site today with Councillors from Taunton Deane, Somerset County Council  and the Transport Secretary to show first-hand why these issues need to be addressed, how the road network is so crucial for the new employment site and to press for more funding for local transport infrastructure on behalf of the constituency’s residents.

She said: “I was delighted that Patrick McLoughlin accepted my invitation to have a look at this notorious traffic hotspot for himself and to see just how crucial it is that we improve the A358 at Henlade in particular so that it can better handle the 26.700 vehicles a day using it, it is the busiest road in Somerset and the main link from the A303 to the motorway and is currently not fit for purpose.  Improvements will reduce congestion, cut down air pollution here, improve safety and aid business.   At the same time it’s vital to upgrade Junction 25 on the M5 to aid north south flow of traffic and to link into the  proposed new business park.  For the business park to succeed it essential that the transport infrastructure is addressed and I urged the Secretary of State to consider this in his forthcoming funding announcements in the Autumn Statement.

Speaking on his visit, Patrick McLoughlin said "I was very impressed with the vision that Rebecca and the council shared with me today. Infrastructure investment is a key part of our long term economic plan and this scheme is a great example of how it can open up development and create jobs allowing Taunton to grow and prosper.

I understand that the South West has missed out on funding in the past but I know that the A358 is a crucial link in the region. Rebecca certainly made the case for action here if we are to keep traffic moving and the business park is to be a success."

A bid for £13.8m has been submitted from the LEP Heart of the Southwest for Government Growth Deal funding for the project.