COUNCILLORS in Flax Bourton are preparing a battle plan to fight off proposals to build a £128 million new link road through their village. Flax Bourton Parish Council is planning a mass leaflet drop to all residents detailing the plans for the road and i

COUNCILLORS in Flax Bourton are preparing a battle plan to fight off proposals to build a £128 million new link road through their village.Flax Bourton Parish Council is planning a mass leaflet drop to all residents detailing the plans for the road and is also organising a poll on the parish council website.The new road, being proposed as part of the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study (GBSTS), would link the M5 motorway junction at Clevedon with the A370, joining up near the magistrates court.The plan is now going forward to North Somerset Council for consideration. Flax Bourton Parish Council chairman Caz Hore-Ruthven said: "We are upset that we were not told anything formally that the road plan was going to North Somerset to be considered."In fact, the first we heard about it was when the North Somerset Times contacted us."The parish council is very concerned at the road proposal."It will turn Flax Bourton into one giant traffic island."We have been working over the years to improve safety by implementing a number of measures on the A370."What is the point of spending time and money trying to traffic calm the A370 only for more traffic to be filtered onto it?"Mrs Hore-Ruthven said councillors were also concerned about the massive environmental impact any road would have and the effect on the village's character.She added: "There are serious concerns about the effect this road would have on our environment."There are also fears that this proposed road could open up acres of land for further development."It is not only the local people who enjoy the countryside but those from the city who enjoy the fact that they are close to plenty of green space which they can come and enjoy."The council is planning to hold a public meeting to gauge reaction to the road before it submits its objections against the plans to North Somerset Council and the GBSTS.Mrs Hore-Ruthven added: "We need to send a clear message that we wish to protect our green valley and I would urge individuals and local organisations to get their voices heard.