Labour's u-turn on A40 dualling (From Western Telegraph)

Labour's u-turn on A40 dualling

Dear Editor, - Whatever one's opinion may be about the future upgrading of the A40, the u-turn performed by the Labour government in the National Assembly is quite breathtaking.

In March 2002, as it prepared the ground for the 2003 assembly elections, Labour trumpeted its decision to give the go-ahead for the dualling of the A40 to Haverfordwest.

It was to cost £60 million and be started within six years (ie by 2008)! During the run-up to the assembly elections, this was the cornerstone of Labour's pre-election promises to invest heavily in economic development in west Wales.

At the same time, judgement was reserved on the issue of the M4 link road at Newport.

That project - cost estimated to be at least £350 million - has now been given the go-ahead!

The turnabout is a remarkable one. We can't even depend on the much-needed Robeston Wathen by-pass until 2010.

This seems to show a shift of priorities away from the regeneration of the Pembrokeshire economy to yet more investment in the already over-developed M4 corridor.

It would be interesting if one or both of Pembrokeshire's Labour AMs could explain what has happened since 2002 to cause this change of policy.

Paul Sambrook Press officer Plaid Cymru Preseli Pembrokeshire Treclyn, Eglwyswrw.