Mobile: 0794 120 1995
Will it be published?
I have sent the following letter in response to an article in the paper last week.
'Dear Sir,
What a pity that Alison Phillips didn’t spend a few minutes on research before writing her recent piece about the Hilperton Relief Road (HRR). For instance, the answers to the points she raised have long been on my web site. If she had, she could have presented her readers with facts rather than questions. But perhaps that would be too boring?
The HRR is, as she says, way past its expected opening date but this is an issue between the contractors and the utility companies. Wiltshire Council has little say in the matter. Looking at the recently erected road signs it would seem that the extension of Leapgate to West Ashton Road will open at the same time and, no doubt, see a dramatic increase in traffic along there.
Regarding the weight limit, I regret that Alison is way behind the times. The public consultation finished some months ago and the whole of Hilperton, with the exception of the HRR and Hammond Way (which will become the new B3105), will have a 7.5 tonne weight limit. I am assured that this limit will come into effect the day that the HRR opens. Much of Trowbridge will be covered by the same Traffic Order.
Finally, Devizes Road. My 2013 election address stated that the closure of Devizes Road would stop the current ‘rat running’ in the morning and probably assist in ensuring that through traffic uses the new road. When I canvassed residents, they unsurprisingly agreed. The only caveat is that the possible closing of Devizes Road must be taken in the context of traffic calming/traffic reduction throughout the whole village and the traffic survey to establish what is needed where, cannot take place until the HRR is open and the new traffic patterns have settled.
Should Alison, or any local resident, want facts, rather than second hand rumour, they are welcome to visit my web site or contact me.'