THE decision to dual a section of a major road into Somerset will be "a huge boost for the economy" locally and regionally, it is claimed.

Somerset County Council has welcomed the Government’s decision to give the go-ahead to a multi-million scheme to upgrade the A303, one of the county's main transport arteries.

The council has worked hard to press Government on the need to invest in long-awaited major upgrade of the road.

It is seen as crucial to support the growth of the economy, now more than ever, as the county deals with the continuing coronavirus crisis.

Friday’s decision by the Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps to grant the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester scheme its development consent will enable Highways England to confirm a start date for the project.

“We welcome today’s announcement by the Secretary of State. This is a huge boost for the economy of the region and for local people,” said Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for economic development.

“We’ve worked tirelessly to promote the need for this investment to Government and we will now be engaging with Highways England as they finalise the detailed construction plans for the Sparkford-Ilchester scheme.”

The development order grants development consent for a continuous dual carriageway on the A303 linking the Podimore Roundabout and the Sparkford Bypass.