Marlborough Traffic and Roadworks latest

A few new facts about the traffic and roadworks situation in Marlborough were established at Tuesday’s Marlborough Area Board Meeting at Kennet Valley Hall, Lockeridge.

Dick Tonge, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways and Helen Powdrill who is managing the Pewsey Road Bridge project were present.

Mr. Tonge explained the short term action taken by Wiltshire Council so far- to improve signage in George Lane. He said they had also suggested moving the market to the car parks but that the move had not been supported.

Proposals to reverse the flow of traffic in Hilliers Yard or to make the street two-way again in order to relieve some of the pressure on George Lane had been considered, said Mr. Tonge, but the conclusion had been that it would be too dangerous. Chris Birkett, Chairman of Marlborough Retail Forum added that after some investigation the “unadopted highway” (the top part of Hilliers Yard) had turned out to be owned by Waitrose who felt they couldn’t support a change of direction or similar in case there were to be an accident.

Chris Humphries, Chairman of the Marlborough Area Board commented that utilities companies appeared to be snarling up every entrance in to Marlborough and asked if Wiltshire Council could do anything about this.

Then came the best news of the evening as Mr. Tonge said he believed that the work on the Kingsbury Street gas main should be completed very soon. He did add, though, that the council could not stop contractors if they choose to do work when convenient to themselves.

Marlborough Town Councillor Rich Pitts mentioned that the zebra crossing on London Road had a constant flow of St. Peter’s pupils crossing at peak times, exacerbating congestion. He suggested the employment of a Lollypop person- anyone remember George Chapman (Chappie) who used to do the job?

Wiltshire Council are talking to the contractors about the possibility of re-opening Pewsey Road Bridge in the build up to Christmas, but say they won’t know the verdict until the end of September. However, the meeting were told not to expect to have bridge open for more than a month before Christmas, and even then to expect one lane and traffic lights.

Marlborough Mayor Andy Ross reminded those gathered that Marlborough Town Council had set aside an area of the common for FREE PARKING to help ease possible congestion in town.

Chris Birkett and members of Marlborough Town Council are meeting with Devizes Constituency MP Claire Perry today to discuss the ongoing Marlborough roadworks.