MORE than 1,000 people shared their views on plans to upgrade the A358 between Taunton and Ilminster during a six-week public consultation that ended last week.

More than 1,700 people attended seven consultation events, while 13 meetings were held with parish council, town council and residents' representatives, and 49 individual landholder meetings also took place.

The plan is to create a dual carriageway between the M5 at Taunton and the Southfields Roundabout on the A303, reducing congestion and leading to quicker journeys for motorists.

David Stock, project manager for Highways England, said: "We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to review the information we provided and to share their comments with us.

"During the events we heard some really interesting views and we appreciate people taking the time to join us. Meeting with local residents and communities helped to provide a good insight into their views and how they use the route.

"We will now review all of the responses we received, alongside the feedback we gathered in our initial round of consultation last year.

"This will help identify the route we will take forward, which we will share with the public later this year, alongside a full consultation feedback report."