GOVERNMENT plans to widen the M25 in south west Hertfordshire have finally been dropped after vociferous objections from councillors, residents and environmental groups.

The project to extend the M25 between junctions 16 and 19 (Denham and Watford), from three lanes to four, had originated in the late 1980's and early 1990's.

Three Rivers District Council led the main battle against the motorway's widening about four or five years ago, holding public meetings and working closely with the other councils in the surrounding areas.

Leader of the council Mrs Ann Shaw said: "We took a very firm line that the widening would be detrimental to the quality of life and the local environment.

"Through numerous meetings, we had everyone's backing. Although I feel we won the battle four years ago, this is the final confirmation that it is over.

"Without our fight, I think it would have gone ahead. This is a great relief to myself, the various councils involved in the fight and the residents."

The Government's move to drop the scheme is part of its road review, a New Deal for Trunk Roads in England, which sets out its plans for the motorway and trunk road network across the country.

Environment groups, including Friends of the Earth, who also vehemently opposed the widening plans, were delighted work would not be done on that stretch of the motorway.

Mr John Collier, acting co-ordinator of Friends of the Earth Watford Group, said: "I am pleased if it has been dropped and this is properly confirmed to me but I am sceptical about other Government plans.

"I will not be pleased until it is set in concrete.

"We have worked hard to oppose this all along, not because we are opposed to better transport or better roads but because of environmental concerns.

"We cannot see what benefit it would bring to the residents of Watford.

"Widening the motorway is not the right way to go about things. A sensible mix of public transport, road and rail would make less of an environmental impact and more sense.

"Widening would have affected the wildlife and the population, through pollution and through the fact that things would not have improved, they would merely have sunk into a worse mess than it was in before."

Watford Council also worked alongside its Three Rivers counterparts and members of the public in fighting the motorway extension.

Councillor Andy Head, chairman of Watford Council's planning and highways committee, said: "Watford Council has always been opposed to the widening of the M25 because it is not in the best interests of the residents that need to use the M25.

"It is a reassurance it has been dropped, especially as the motorway is so close to the urban residential areas.

"We are trying to provide alternative transport in Watford and the rest of south west Hertfordshire, thus having a positive impact on the M25."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.