Problem with the B4066 (From Gazette Series)

Problem with the B4066

FIRST let me express my sympathy with those residents who are complaining about the proposed improvements to the B4066.

Of course the completion of the Berkeley by-pass would be a preferable solution from all points of view and eventually it will have to be built. To achieve this it will be necessary for everybody interested to keep on complaining about the current situation. I this context the support of people such as Cllr John Cordwell (Gazette, March 10) is to be welcomed, it is only a pity that he was not so forthcoming with his support when he was the cabinet member for transport in the previous County Council administration. His words of support then might have carried more weight!

Meanwhile we have to accept that it is not government policy to build any new roads. Transport problems in rural communities seem to be rather low on their priority list. So, for the forseeable future we need to make the best use of what we have got. The cost of upgrading Alkington Lane would be considerable; almost, but not quite, as expensive as a new road. The facility with which lorries fall off the road and block it completely, emphasises the scale of work that would be necessary. So the only available options at present are to do nothing or to upgrade the B4066.

Alkington and Hamfallow Parish Councils have managed to persuade the County Council to improve the B4066 in preference to continuing to prevaricate and do nothing.

Even so, funding limits and budget uncertainties mean that this will be a long, drawn out process. We are especially pressing for an early resolution to the problem of the junction with the A38. We fear it can only be a matter of time before there is a serious accident there.

Derek Burgess Chairman Alkington Parish Council Woodford Berkeley