Voice views at exhibitions on Woodside Link

Consultation is under way on the planned link, which would help secure the “detrunking” of the A5 through Dunstable.

Detrunking the A5 would pave the way for a hoped-for lorry ban for the High Street.

The Woodside Link road would connect Houghton and industrial estates in Dunstable to the planned new M1 Junction 11a.

Junction 11a will be built as part of the A5 Dunstable northern bypass scheme.

Supporters say the Woodside Link is important for town centre regeneration and to help ease Dunstable’s traffic nightmare, along with the A5 bypass.

Now Central Beds Council is asking for feedback on the planned Woodside Link route.

The team also specifically wants to hear views on the idea of creating a direct connection from Parkside Drive, Houghton, to the Woodside Link.

Get up to speed by visiting exhibitions on these dates:

> Today, Wednesday, November 21, 3pm to 7pm, Sundon Village Hall.

> Tomorrow, Thursday, November 22, 2.30pm to 6pm, Dunstable Library.

> Friday, November 23, 3pm to 7pm, Lewsey Farm Community Centre, Luton.

Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the proposals.

Public consultation will run until December 24.

Executive councillor Nigel Young spoke of the importance of the A5 Dunstable northern bypass and the Woodside Link.

“These key link roads, together with the busway, will really help cut down traffic going through the middle of Dunstable and Houghton Regis and help us in our continued plans to bring about fantastic regeneration in the heart of Dunstable,” he said.

He urged people to voice their views and visit the exhibitions.

The plans and documents will be available for inspection at the Central Beds Council offices in Dunstable, from 8.30am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-4pm Fridays, and via www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/woodsidelink.

> Have your say by completing a questionnaire on that website by December 24. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected].