Fury over new road scheme plans

The new road could pass within 100 yards of homes

A new £352m alternative road link between Somerset and London could pass within 100 yards of homes.

Taunton residents got a first look at plans for nearly 16 miles of dual carriageway from Taunton to the A303 at South Petherton at a meeting on Friday.

The new road needs to be built, said the Highways Agency, to relieve some 16 miles of regular tailbacks.

A Highways Agency spokesman said the plans had not yet been finalised and asked for people's views.

Resident Emma Mendoza told BBC News: "There is no nothing, no privacy. It's absolutely terrible."

The Highways Agency spokesman said: "I understand why they are angry, but this is the first time we have published these proposals so it has come as a bit of a shock to some people.

"This is their opportunity to tell us how they feel and this is not yet a done deal."