The future prosperity of Taunton Deane depends heavily on making the area an attractive and successful place to do business. Historically the South West has been underfunded by successive governments resulting in productivity for too long being below the national average. I’m delighted that this government has realised the importance of the region by committing £2.3 billion to investment in infrastructure and connectivity projects that will make a huge difference to our future progress. The significance of the area was highlighted by the Chancellor himself recently in response my questioning him in the Chamber:
‘..Taunton, and indeed the whole of the South-West is a great place to do business. We are now investing huge sums in the roads and railways, broadband and housing. Of course without her (Rebecca) I do not think we would be having the A358 upgrade. There is a general lesson, which is that when the south-west votes blue, the voice of the south-west is heard in Parliament.’
And the A358 project is moving forward. It was the focus of a Highways England presentation last week at the highly well attended Neroche Annual Parish Meeting. Traffic and environmental surveys are underway and local views are being sought. The preferred route will be published in mid-2017, the government will make its final decision in 2018, with a view to work beginning in 2020. The road will form part of the ‘Super Highway’ improving the corridor linking the A303 to the M5 and is a vital part of the strategy to get people, goods and services in and out of the region more quickly. Whatever is designed must work for local people and must blend into our beautiful landscape and work with our precious wildlife where possible. I urge everyone to get involved in the consultation process.
Finally, I have started a Charity of the Month initiative. There are a great many excellent charities in the constituency supported by an enormous number of dedicated volunteers. For May, I will be supporting Taunton Association for the Homeless. If anyone has any fresh fruit or veg, please drop into my office: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG.
