Westbury residents have had their say on the town’s long-standing bypass issue, with their feedback set to guide the town council’s next steps.
Nearly 800 residents responded to the town council’s bypass survey, run in January with support from a Task and Finish Group of town councillors, Wiltshire councillors, and MP Dr Andrew Murrison. The group was set up to explore options for a Westbury bypass following the National Highways’ “M4 to Dorset Coast: Strategic Connectivity Study.”
A Westbury Town Council spokesperson said, “No decisions have been made, and all options remain under consideration. “For many, there is perhaps no greater issue facing the town than the provision of a bypass – whether to relieve traffic, attract investment, or create opportunities for economic development and new jobs.
“It is recognised that the need for a bypass is a sensitive and long-standing issue, particularly for those who have followed previous discussions over the years. We are especially grateful to everyone who completed the survey and shared their personal experiences of living along the A350.”
The survey results will now be considered by the Highways, Planning and Development Committee – the parent committee of the Task and Finish Group – to determine any appropriate next steps.
The group also awaits the publication of the Draft Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS 3), which will set out the Government’s priorities for the strategic road network in England from 2026 to 2031. It is expected at the end of March 2026 and will include the latest position and proposed next steps in response to the National Highways study including to the M4 to Dorset Coast Strategic Connectivity Study.
Local MP Andrew Murrison has received confirmation from Roads Minister Simon Lightwood that the Government plans to publish its strategy later this month.
“This means we will know where we stand on the Westbury bypass by the end of this month when the crucial M4 to Dorset Coast Strategic Study is promised by the minister,” said Andrew Murrison. “The draft was positive but we will have to wait a few days longer to see if the suggested route up the A36 and A350 is adopted and to get confirmation that this would need to bypass Westbury. No bypass, no trunking of the A350.”
In addition to the bypass, respondents to the survey highlighted other local highway matters, including traffic calming on Oldfield Road, 20mph zones in certain areas, weight restrictions, and improved cycling routes. These issues are already under consideration by the council’s Highways, Planning and Development Committee.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow Westbury Town Council on social media and via the council’s website for further updates.
Pictured: Westbury councillors campaigning for the bypass
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