AN employment site beside the M5 which could attract at least £100million of investment into Taunton is dependent on the Government funding road improvements, a meeting heard this morning.

Proposals were mapped out at a meeting in Taunton this morning (Thursday, October 16) for the development on farmland in Henlade, which would create up to 4,000 jobs.

But delegates heard that everything depends on getting Government cash to improve access with alterations to Junction 25, which is already over-capacity; the dualling of the A358 and potentially a by-pass at Henlade; and improvements to The Toneway at Taunton.

There would also possibly be a pedestrian/cyclist access bridge across the M5 between Blackbrook and the development, while there was also a call for an iconic symbol along the lines of the Angel of the North.

Backers believe they would be able to attract quality companies, who in turn would bring higher wages, keeping young talent local – possible occupiers could include healthcare, further education, transport, car showrooms, sport and leisure, warehouse/distribution.

They believe it would enable firms already in the town to expand, while also attracting companies from outside the area.

The timeline aims to see highways funding secured by 2015/16, planning permission delivered by 2018 and work on the first phase starting in 2020.

Watch a video of the meeting by clicking on this link: http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/gazettevideo/140696/