Local MP Andrew Murrison has demanded answers on the future of a potential bypass for Westbury.
The MP quizzed Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in the House of Commons during her recent statement on future road and rail projects.
Dr Murrison pressed the need for the relief road in the context of the Department for Transport’s recently published south coast to M4 strategic study which identified the A350 as the preferred option for a future trunk road.
The MP believes that this would be untenable unless Westbury and Yarnbrook are first bypassed using a western route that would service commercial and light industrial sites to the west of the town.
In response, Ms Alexander said she would write to him.
Dr Murrison said, “The statement today was largely a rehash of announcements made before the general election. So far, all my constituents have seen from this government is the canning of the A303 Stonehenge dualling.
“However, I look forward to minister’s letter and hope it contains an indication that Westbury will get some relief from the upcoming Road Improvement Strategy.”
Westbury remains the only town along the A350 where traffic, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), still runs through the town centre.
The MP has also a meeting booked with junior transport minister Lilian Greenwood MP when he plans to go through local transport issues.
He said, “There’s no doubt we’re being overlooked by government with its focus on the North and Midlands yet our roads and rail services tend to be worse. We matter too and I’m looking for some indication that ministers understand they can’t just ignore us.”
