Archived press release

Government rejects damaging road through blackdown hills

29 November 2004

Today's Government decision to protect the Blackdown Hills in Devon and Somerset from road-widening has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth. The environmental campaign group called on transport secretary Alistair Darling to prevent other damaging roads, such as the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road, being built.

Plans to widen the A303 through the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty (AONB) would have caused enormous damage to the area, noted for its remoteness and tranquility. Friends of the Earth is now calling for a Government commitment to improve rail links in the area such as the Exeter to Salisbury rail line, reduced to single track "to save money" in the 1960s.

Friends of the Earth's South West Regional Campaigns Coordinator, Mike Birkin, said:

"We are delighted with Mr Darling's decision. A dark shadow has been lifted from one of England's finest natural areas. The alternative A358 route is far from perfect, but it's the lesser of two evils. But £670 million has been earmarked to this one road corridor, while the parallel Exeter to Waterloo railway line receives nothing and regional rural bus services are being cut.

Friends of the Earth's Transport Campaigner Tony Bosworth said

"The Blackdown Hills decision is wonderful news but doesn't mean that all is now well with the Government's roads policy. Mr Darling has still to announce his decision on the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road - he must reject this as well. Road building is not the answer to our transport problems"

For further information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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Archived press release

Government rejects damaging road through blackdown hills

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