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The Missing Link group includes public and private sector supporters from across the region including North Devon and Dorset. One strong reason for supporting the dualling of the A358 is that it will unlock business potential across the region by making road journeys easier and faster.
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The official Government funded report into transport in the South West (the South West Area Multi-Modal Study or SWARMMS study) proposes the dualling of the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton. It says...
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"If the [A358] strategy is not implemented then there is a real risk that congestion will undermine business competitiveness and constrain the pace of economic growth. The strategy also supports regeneration policies for the far South West and for rural regeneration. It will provide a significant boost to the tourism industry in Cornwall and Devon and will help in efforts to attract inward investment."
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The Missing Link group agrees with this assessment. Turning the A358 into a dual carriageway will improve a wide range of transport links including:
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- East-west links into Devon and Cornwall
- South-east/north-west links between Dorset and North Devon
- Links to the Midlands and the M5/M4 corridor, especially the South Coast ports
- Links to South Coast centres such as Bournemouth and Poole
- Links via the M3 corridor to Portsmouth and Southampton
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Overall dualling the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton will:
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- Reduce congestion
- Improve regional economic growth
- Aid rural regeneration
- Boost tourism
- Help attract inward investment
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