Free parking on the common to ease Marlborough congestion

Marlborough Town Council agreed at a meeting on Monday to allow free parking at the top left hand side of the common to help ease congestion in town.

The temporary move which takes effect from this week should suit a lot of people who travel in to Marlborough to shop, but who want to avoid the possibility of getting held up.  Those who commute in to Marlborough for work are also likely to take advantage of the free spaces in order to make substantial daily savings, freeing up parking spaces in town for shoppers who are unable to walk from the common, and lessening the congestion which the Pewsey Bridge roadworks cause at certain times of day. The possibility of also using the south end of the same side of the common is being considered.

In a bid to improve the flow of traffic still further, the Town Council have also agreed to improve signage for cars entering Marlborough on the A4 from the London side. Many cars have been trying to continue down George Lane and then turn right back towards the A4 heading west, only to find the Pewsey Bridge closed. They have then had to do a U turn and add themselves to any ques to get back out of George Lane, on to London Road and round to the High Street. Drivers will now be told clearly as they enter town to turn right towards the High Street at the mini roundabouts on London Road. There may also be signs as you enter town on Salisbury Road for the same reasons.

Another possibility being looked at is that of Hilliers Yard becoming a two way street again as it was until a few years ago

Chris Birkett, Chair of Marlborough Chamber of Commerce' Retail Forum, has heard back from Parvis Khansari, Director for Strategic Services (Highways and Passenger Transport) at Wiltshire Council, following the letter of proposals Chris sent the council.

Mr. Khansari said that the cost of delaying recommencement of the roadworks until after Christmas (following closure for the Mop Fairs) would be too great, but that “re opening the bridge in the run up to Christmas is being re-examined.” However there was no clarification as to what exactly that meant. He also said that Wiltshire Council would not be allowing free parking during the roadworks- another Retail Forum suggestion.

In the meantime a special Marlborough Area Board Meeting has been organised on August 31st by former mayor Nick Fogg, who is also vice-chair of the board, to discuss the ongoing situation in public. Mr. Birkett will be meeting with our MP Claire Perry on September 3rd to discuss further possible moves to improve the situation for both shoppers and retailers.