Major funding to improve transport links to the Somer Valley that could unlock thousands of new jobs for the area, has now been approved by the West of England Combined Authority.

At a meeting of the new West of England Combined Authority on 30th October, £280,000 was approved to develop a business case for improving the route from the Old Mills employment site on the A362 to the A37, which would include

removing traffic pinch-points along the road as well as pedestrian and cycling improvements.

As well as reducing journey times between the Somer Valley and A37, the improved transport links would help enable plans for up to 2,000 new jobs at the Old Mills Enterprise Zone.

Conservative Councillors in Midsomer Norton have welcomed news of long-awaited investment in the town’s infrastructure and economy. Cllr Paul Myers (Conservative, Midsomer Norton Redfield), who is also the B&NES Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration, said: “After many years of promises of funding to support our area’s economy, it’s great to finally see money being spent on the infrastructure needed to grow local employment.

“By improving transport links to the Somer Valley, not only will this cut journey times to the A37, but it will also help unlock plans to create thousands of new jobs at the Old Mills site – thereby having the double benefit of reducing the need for residents to commute further afield for work.

“This funding is the first crucial step towards improving transport and increasing employment in the Somer Valley, but it’s vital we see a continued commitment to investment in our area.”

Fellow Midsomer Norton Councillor Barry Macrae, (Conservative, Midsomer Norton North) added: “The route between Midsomer Norton and Farrington Gurney is well known for bottlenecks and pinch-points that have a knock-on effect on other local roads at busy times, so it’s welcome news that improvements are in the pipeline.

“As part of these improvements, it’s also important that other traffic hot-spots such as West Road are also looked at to improve links to the Enterprise Zone and traffic flow in the town more generally.

“This is also alongside the improvements underway at the Two Headed Man junction on the A39 and the recent publication of the draft Somer Valley Transport Strategy, so it’s good to see these sorts of long-awaited transport improvements finally taking place.”