WESTBURY could be set to receive a number of highways improvements, but should not expect a new bypass scheme any time soon.
This was the view of Wiltshire Council’s highways improvements manager David Bullock, who addressed the town at the recent meeting of the Westbury Area Board.
David Bullock said that the council has been advised by its solicitors that there is no grounds for an appeal against the Secretary of State’s decision to refuse the construction of the proposed eastern bypass route. Wiltshire Council will announce its next move later in the year. This could involve an alternative scheme altogether, or an amendment to the proposed route.
David Bullock said that government planning directives for the region now put a lesser importance on the A350 as a whole, which would affect the viability of any bypass scheme proposed.
Improvement money lost
The £4.4million that was to be spent on town centre improvements will not be coming to Westbury now that the bypass scheme has fallen through. Smaller schemes such as the long-awaited pedestrian crossing near Westbury Hospital on Warminster Road may be in the pipeline.
David Bullock said that certain schemes which had been delayed while the council awaited the final word on the bypass would now be pushed through as a matter of urgency.
Speaking from the public floor, Warminster Road resident Peter Simms asked if the council will be providing triple glazing and air conditioning to protect those with roadside properties from the noise and air pollution that would now not be removed by the bypass.
