The first firm proposal to dual the A40 trunk road between Haverfordwest and St Clears has divided industry and the environmental lobby.

The business sector argues that it can only increase Pembrokeshires economic prosperity. Politicians and councillors share this vision, applauding it as a link to a vibrant and successful commerical future between Wales and Southern Ireland.

But the scheme has its opponents including Friends of the Earth Pembrokeshire, which fears it will have the reverse effect of siphoning money away from the county.

Pembrokeshire Business Initiative believes these concerns are exaggerated. Managing director Richard Packman says a region cannot thrive economically if it seeks to remain remote. If an area is perceived to be isolated then that is the way it will stay, he says.

I cant see how anyone can sensibly suggest that improving transport communications could be a bad thing.

That is precisely what Friends of the Earth Pembrokeshire forecasts. It admits Pembrokeshires public transport system needs improving, but says dualling the A40 is not the solution.

We do suffer from a lack of decent available transport, and if this money is available in the public purse to be spent on transport, why is it not being used to provide an integrated public transport system we could all benefit from? asks Val Jones, of Friends of the Earth Pembrokeshire.

We will be told that this will bring in jobs but what of the experience in North Wales where unemployment has grown as a result of a super highway out of the area. Roads go through and out of as well as into a county.

The A40 dualling has been at the top of Pembrokeshire County Councils agenda since its inception six years ago. Its leader, Councillor Maurice Hughes says: As far as South West Wales is concerned, this was the missing link.

The National Assembly has made dualling a priority because it views the road as a strategic part of the network with unreliable and slow journey times. It is also part of the Trans-European Network.

An environmental assessment study will first be carried out to determine the carriageway standard.

q Answers are being sought on whether there are future plans to by-pass Robeston Wathen.

Christine Gwyther, AM for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, is pressing the National Assembly Transport Minister Sue Essex for a by-pass at this village.

This scheme was not included in the top 50 published by the Welsh Assembly on Thursday.

The people of Robeston Wathen have waited long enough for a conclusive answer to the very real problem of pedestrian safety, and I hope that todays announcement brings us closer to the solution they need, she says.

As well as improvements earmarked for The Kell, Treffgarne, and the A477 near Pembroke Dock, work is ongoing along the A477 between Llanddowror and Red Roses to determine the best option for improving safety there.

A scheme at this location is among the top 20 priorities listed in the Trunk Road Forward Programme.