Plans to dual A358 Taunton to A303 cancelled

The A358 dualling scheme from the A303 at Ilminster and J25 at Taunton was described "as unaffordable and unfunded."

A major road improvement scheme in Somerset has been “cancelled" as part of the new Labour government's first budget.

National Highways had planned scheme to dual the A358 between the Southfields roundabout in Ilminster and Junction 25 of the M5 in Taunton.

The major A-road upgrade was "paused" in July, but the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has now cancelled it describing the project "as unaffordable and unfunded."

Chris Winter from West of England Developments said: "This road link upgrade was critical for businesses across the Somerset East-West link."

It was hoped the upgrade would make an easier link road from the M5 to the A303

The scheme, which was expected to cost £328m to deliver, would have seen new junctions created to link the dual carriageway with the A378 towards Langport along with the villages of Hatch Beauchamp and Ashill along the existing route.

Mr Winter continued: "This decision to cancel the scheme will stall investment into Somerset for local businesses.

"It will cost businesses and people who have to commute on this link.

Somerset Council said they are "disappointed" at the decision to cancel the project.

Keith Irvine has lived in Henlade on the edge of the A358 for 30 years and said the road is way past it's "sell-by date"

Keith Irvine has lived in Henlade for 30 years and told BBC Radio Somerset: "It’s a huge shame.

"One morning I was sat at the bus stop and I counted 50 trucks at 6.30am – in just five minutes.

"I’ll probably be dead by the time it’s done! The road has gone way past its sell-by date and needs improving."