CONTROVERSIAL plans to close the B3108 between Winsley and Bradford on Avon are still going ahead next month. 

Wiltshire Council is reminding people that the road will be closed from July 25 and during August to build a shared-use path to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Dozens of residents protested the closure, saying they were not given sufficient warning that the work would take place this summer.

Wiltshire Council says once the shared-use path for both cyclists and pedestrians is completed in September, "it will make journeys easier and safer for children travelling to and from local schools", and also provide a safer route from Winsley to Bradford on Avon.

Wiltshire Times:

Councillor Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, added: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works, but by providing a safer route to and from school for local children, the end result will be worth it.

“The work will be completed in three phases to limit the disruption as much as we can, and we’ve also worked with the bus companies to ensure that buses that use this road will still be able to run – albeit with some changes to the route.

“In our business plan, we set out our desire for Wiltshire to be a place where we are safe, where we stay active and we take responsibility for the environment and this new shared-use path will bring all these benefits by giving people a safer option if they choose to walk or cycle.”

The work to build the shared use path will proceed in three phases. The first phase, starting on July 4 until July 24, will see the closure of Bradford Road in Winsley, to the west of the B3108.

During this period, all traffic can use the B3108 Winsley Road.

The second phase, from July 13-24, will see work on the B3108 roundabout, with two-way traffic signals in place and Bradford Road remaining closed to facilitate this.

The final phase, which begins on July 25 to September 2, will see Bradford Road reopen, but the B3108 Winsley Road will be closed to motor vehicles.

The road will still be open to cyclists and pedestrians during this time and all local businesses will remain trading as normal, but traffic between Bradford on Avon and Bath will have to use the diversion route.

To find out more about the scheme and bus information, go to wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-new-active-travel-schemes.