Asda plans new petrol station

ASDA has confirmed that it will be applying for planning permission to build a petrol station at its Melksham store.

But concerns have been raised over fears of extra traffic on one of the busiest roads in Wiltshire. Already, Wiltshire Council is planning major changes on that stretch of road because of congestion.

Councillor Jon Hubbard said, “Whilst I support any economic investment in Melksham, I’m nervous about the added problems it will cause on the A350. I’d like to look carefully at what they are planning to do to make sure that it will only improve matters, rather than making them worse.

“The key thing is that the junction has to be improved and I don’t think installing traffic lights is going to help. It needs serious work.”

Mayor of Melksham, cllr Terri Welch said, “That has come as a surprise as when the store planning permission was given, it was said not to include a petrol station, but I’m not sure if this was a condition, or came from Asda itself.

“In principle I feel that a petrol station on the A350 will be a good thing. It shows confidence by Asda in our town.

“There is only at the moment a petrol station at the Yarnbrook junction to the south, and yes there is the  Bear Garage on the Bath Road and Nortree Garage near Leekes, but this is a dealership that sells petrol.”

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