Frogmore Road changes spark backlash as safety audit confirmed

A road safety audit is set to be carried out on Frogmore Road after residents criticised recent changes, describing them as ‘dangerous’ and ‘poorly thought through’. 

Work began in January to install a new footway along the northern side of Frogmore Road, stretching from the junction with Rosefield Way to Slag Lane. The changes include a stretch of footway painted directly onto the road surface under a narrow railway bridge. 

Images of the new layout shared online sparked backlash from residents on social media, who raised concerns about pedestrian safety, especially where the path is marked directly on the carriageway near a blind bend. Some questioned the effectiveness of the new 20mph speed limit and criticised the lack of improvements to drainage in an area known for flooding. 

One resident described the scheme as “moronic” while another warned the footpath under the bridge is “a disaster waiting to happen”.  

Newly elected Wiltshire councillor for Westbury North, Boaz Barry, also commented on the issue, saying the improvements were “downright dangerous.” 

In response, Wiltshire Council has confirmed that a full road safety audit will be carried out to assess the scheme now that construction is complete. 

Samantha Howell, Director of Highways and Transport at Wiltshire Council, said, “Ensuring pedestrian safety has been a priority throughout the construction of the pedestrian improvement scheme at Frogmore Road in Westbury.  

“Approximately 450 metres of the route now benefits from a continuous footway with full-height kerbs, linking safely to existing paths on The Mead and Rosefield Way.  

“However, this was not possible for the entire route, so a clearly marked on-carriageway footway has been introduced under the railway bridge to maintain a safe, continuous route for pedestrians. 

“To further enhance safety, a lower speed limit of 20mph has been implemented to slow traffic and increase driver awareness of people walking in the area. 

“The carriageway beneath the bridge has been partially resurfaced to help address historic ponding issues, which will continue to be monitored following construction.  

“Now that the project is complete, a comprehensive independent road safety audit will be commissioned to identify any potential concerns, with appropriate actions taken to ensure continued safety and improvement.” 

Earlier this year, residents also raised concerns about trees being felled on Frogmore Road as part of pavement construction works. They said they had spent thousands of pounds over the years maintaining the trees near their homes, only for Wiltshire Council to cut them down with just a week’s notice. 

Pictured: New white markings on Frogmore Road have created a ‘footway’ which residents say is dangerous.