Missing Link scheme is just a waste of taxpayers’ cash

✒ HERE we go again on the old chestnut of the A417 - the so-called Missing Link.

In the past, I have written many letters to the Government, local MPS and just about every Tom, Dick and Harry - with very few replies.

How can £500million be justified on such a scheme as it is envisaged?

The traffic queue is mainly twice a day, and sissipates quickly as I have proven - 12 minutes from the Highwayman, then whoosh down Crickley Hill.

It is often stated that there are many deaths and many accidents. Bad driving causes accidents - a road is an inanimate object.

There have been more accidents on the M5 between Strensham and Bristol in 14 days than the toll for accidents on the A417 going back years. As an international HGV driver, I often cruise to the Almondsbury interchange and take the M5 north. Easy-peasy - 28 miles longer but no Swindon roundabouts and no time penalty.

Light traffic for Cheltenham can use the A435 (always virtually empty) and forward route planning has never been easier.

As for demolishing the Air Balloon, the mind boggles (hear, hear Mr & Mrs James, letters October 3).

Surely there are so many other things to spend £500m on? Why can’t common sense prevail?

Alex Chalk MP says the project will increase trade in our county. Bunkum. Folk will just drive on through.

Good products and good services increase business.

Some of this £500m would be better spent on good HGV parking in this county (I digress, sorry).

Despite the presentations for the project being very well done, I cannot help but feel stringly that it is all a waste of taxpayers’ money. Douglas F Vick Cheltenham