I REFER to the article by Amy Binns (August 10) in which she quoted Mr Kevin Lasbury, director, network and customer services (North) on the extension of the M65 motorway into Yorkshire.

It is clear that there has been a fundamental misunderstanding about what Mr Lasbury said in respect of a possible extension of the motorway.

The extension of the M65 from Colne, eastwards into Yorkshire, is purely a matter for the local authorities. Government policy is clear, it will not extend the motorway. The Highways Agency implements government policy.

It is open to the local authorities to include an extension to the motorway in their local transport plans.

The provisional local transport plans now under consideration by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions deals only with the possible bypasses taking the A56 around towns and villages of Colne, Foulridge, Kelbrook and Earby.

The Highways Agency will not be reopening talks about extending the M65, but will talk to the local authorities about the issue if they raise it during discussions about the local transport plans.

BOB BALDWIN, Area Manager, Area Team 17, Highways Agency.

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