The change in stance from the Highways Agency over a full diamond junction on the A34 at Lodge Hill north of Abingdon is a welcome move.

We all know that this would play a significant part in easing congestion in the town.

It would be foolish of us, however, to believe that this was anything but the start of a long campaign to get something done at this junction.

The improved junction has been supported by Oxfordshire County Council and it will surely find its way into its future planning documents.

The more vexed question is: “Who is going to pay for it?”

The A34 is the responsibility of the Highways Agency to maintain and to improve.

While it has been persuaded to soften its stance on improvements, does anyone really believe it is about to invest cash in them?

It will, no doubt, have plenty of other priorities.

We will all have to campaign long and hard to ensure this full junction is built one day.