FOLLOWING on from your front page piece (Journal, November 6) it is worth adding a little political balance.

I write ahead of the Government's anticipated announcement for future A303 road improvements to include dual carriageway tunnel to follow the contours of the land.

Whilst I am not against a tunnel I remain realistic about the costs, safety concerns and politically aware of the fact that the MPs who have most to gain from this announcement are those who are currently in Government and thus seeking re-election next May.

The next Government, regardless of whether it is Conservative or Labour or another form of coalition, will look again at the costs and what it wants to achieve in terms of limited investment opportunities.

We are after all still borrowing to keep our economy afloat.

For my part I have lobbied Michael Dugher MP in his new role as the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport to ensure that he understands the issues and financial implications facing people and businesses in the South West along the A303/A30 corridor, for which of course Stonehenge is the first pinch point.

With a view to the future there are some exiting thoughts and discussions to be had with what might become of the current road which can be of most benefit to Amesbury.

A link road, for example, from West Amesbury to the former A344 to Stonehenge and Shrewton?

It would certainly be nice to see cyclists able to visit the stones without having to negotiate the A303.

Tom Corbin

Labour Parliamentary Candidate Salisbury Constituency