Featureless roads destroy countys charm (From Western Telegraph)

Featureless roads destroy countys charm

Dear Editor, - With the environmental devastation of the Sageston by-pass still fresh in our minds, the next chapter of road improvements is presented.

The stretch of the A477 from the Finger-post to Pembroke and Bangeston is undoubtedly a dangerous road. The improvement will no doubt remove mature trees, lengths of hedgerow and a shaded avenue of old road with raised banks and many wild flowers along it.

As Pembrokeshire becomes another victim of the arrogance of road transport, what provision is there for the transport poor in our communities?

The elderly, the children, the cyclists and the horse-riders do not benefit from these improvements. Indeed, money is often redirected to expensive road schemes and traffic calming measures at the expense of other social provision such as a subsidised rural bus service. These new, fast roads are a barrier and danger to people and wildlife.

The irony of our attitude to roads is demonstrated pathetically along the A477 between the Kilgetty roundabout and Pembroke Dock. Sections of road have been improved with the resultant loss of many natural features, then the speed limit has been reduced. How can improved journey times be a justification for these road developments? The straight wide stretch of road with a 40 mph limit between Bangeston and Pembroke Dock is one such example. The letters from J. J. Clark, of Blaen-y-coed, and David Waymont of Colby Mill (April 10th) letters page eloquently explore the idea of faster, better road transport. The National Assembly for Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council have stated a commitment to sustainability.

Dividing communities, destroying our environment and reducing our diversity is not a sustainable approach to our county. Road improvement leads to increased car use - that has been shown time and time again.

Cant Pembrokeshire lead the way, encourage people to use public transport or travel slowly through our county, savouring its natural delights and stopping to spend money here? Or do we want to funnel traffic through as quickly as possible along a featureless, ravaged route? What is the estimated economic cost of this latest upgrade? My suggestion is to start the 40 mph speed limit zone at the Finger-post turn. This would make the road safer, cost a fraction of the road development plan, avoid the congestion during the roadworks and allow us to keep our natural environment.

Unfortunately, large construction firms will not make a huge profit but residents and tourists will be struck by the beauty and forward-thinking philosophy of Pembrokeshire. AMANDA PERRINS The Smithy Cosheston Pembroke