Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, has welcomed today’s news that Wellington’s M5 junction and the adjoining Chelston link road are reopening next weekend (7th Sept) – a month ahead of schedule.

All slip roads at J26, the roundabout and the A38 link road from the motorway to the Chelston roundabout have been closed since June 16th while replacement work took place.

They were not due to reopen until late September but Somerset Council has announced that access will be restored overnight on Sunday 7th September.

Mr Amos visited the site yesterday (Tuesday) along with Cllr Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport.

Mr Amos welcomed news of the early opening, saying: “I’m glad I’ve been able to make sure the voices of Wellington businesses have been heard. 

“Working as a team with my LibDem colleagues on Somerset Council we’ve kept the pressure up, ensured the business park remained open throughout the works, and I’m delighted they are finishing ahead of time and on budget. 

“I know the workers on the project have kept going night and day to advance the schedule and I’m really grateful to them for all their hard work.

“While reopening ahead of schedule and on budget is good news, I’m disappointed government MPs voted down my amendment in Parliament which would have seen local businesses who lose trade when these projects happen get proper compensation.

“I’m remaining focused on this project until it’s fully completed and have sent information to affected local businesses about how they can apply for discounts in their business rates. 

“If any local businesses need this information please contact my office.”