Wiltshire Council has bid for over £9m to level up Trowbridge through the government's new scheme to improve towns. 

The local authority has put in a bid for £9.4m to improve capacity at the Longfield Gyratory and to allow for smoother journeys along the A361. 

These new connections, the council said, would give motorists easier access to the town centre which will tie in with the work being done with the Future High Streets cash. 

A spokesman for the council said: “In addition to this, there is a network of walking and cycling improvements proposed, including improved crossings at the gyratory (for pedestrian and cyclists); a shared use path along County Way East; shared use paths connecting to advisory cycle lanes on Bythesea Road for connections to the station; and improved pedestrian connections between the Longfield residential area and Cradle Bridge Retail Centre and Trowbridge town centre.”

ALSO READ: Conservatives announce new Police & Crime Commissioner candidate

It is likely that the local authority will know if its bid – which is supported by MP Andrew Murrison and the town council – is successful by autumn. 

Cabinet member for highways and transport, Dr Mark McClelland said: “We want our county town to be a thriving accessible area and these proposals will not only improve the lives of local residents, but also encourage businesses to invest.”

The Levelling Up Fund has other windows for the local authority to apply and the council says it will consider future bids for further funding for different projects.

Wiltshire is also hopeful for nearly £5m from the same government pot to make improvements in Melksham with support from Michelle Donelan MP.