The Highways Agency is undertaking a public consultation on its plans to widen the M4. In our area this means a proposal tousethe motorway’s existing hard shoulder as an additional lane.

By bringing the heavy traffic on the motorway closer to thehomes and gardens of local residents, thiswill result in additional noise and air pollution for the hundredsof local residents, who live alongside this busymotorway.

The only protection offered by the Highways Agency against this additionalnoise and air pollution is little more than awooden garden fence.

I was hoping that the Highways Agency would use this opportunity torespond positively to the requests I have made on behalf of local residents for some time now that anacoustic barrier is erected to protect residents living near the motorway from the mounting traffic noise and also that a barrier of natural vegetation is planted to help reduce the air pollution emitted by the lorries and cars on the motorway.

I am urging local residents and local schools and community groups located in the areas alongside the motorway to join with me in calling fora proper strategy to tackle the threat of increased noise and air pollution if this scheme goes ahead, including the erection of effectivebarriers.

Information on the Highways Agency consultation on M4 widening can be found on http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads-projectsm4-junctions-3-12 or telephone the Highways Agency on 0300 123 5000.

Please do all you can to demand that in this project the appropriate protectionput in place for our community.