Angry reaction to Farmers Roundabout plans

MELKSHAM residents have branded the new plans for the Farmers Roundabout near Asda,  as ‘a waste of money’ and believe that the money would be better spent on alternative schemes, such as a bypass for Beanacre.

Following Melksham Independent News’ story in the last issue, revealing plans for a new-look Farmers Roundabout, that will see a new traffic light system and more lanes, residents have written letters to Melksham News and taken to social media to give the plans a resounding thumbs down.

“I do have serious reservations over yet another set of traffic lights in such a short distance of road,” said Andy Newman. “It is interesting to note that the new traffic management will see the new lights linked in with both the Asda lights and those controlling the A365. What about the lights which control access to McDonald’s and Aldi?”

Another resident asks, “What on earth are the planners thinking of? There appears little or no consultation with the local community on this and Wiltshire Council Highways seem hell bent on erecting traffic lights on every major roundabout in the region. It’s crazy!”

Critics also say the scheme is a waste of money and have proposed other solutions to ease the A350 congestion.

Jill and Steve Tubbs wrote, “If there was a Beanacre bypass there would be no need to waste money on this roundabout as all the traffic would bypass this road anyway. When will the Council take pity on the poor residents of Beanacre who have to suffer increased traffic and congestion on a road totally unfit for purpose?”

Elaine Gardiner wrote, “More money wasted, how many more times until they get it right. I cannot see this will improve the situation. We will still see major hold ups. The amount of traffic travelling on the A350 is unbelievable. Wouldn’t the money be best spent on the Beanacre bypass which has been needed for many years?”

Michael Bailey wrote, “Not going to make one bit of difference just cause long delays; why do you think Swindon turn their lights off at peak times? £3million better spent towards bypass in Beanacre”

Andrew Griffin wrote, “The bottleneck isn’t the roundabout, it’s not even the lights at Asda or the A365. Heading north at rush hour, it’s the lights at the McDonalds/Aldi junction that then holds traffic back all the way to Western Way.”

Keith Kirk wrote, “Putting one set of lights approaching the roundabout on the A350 from Western Way would be enough to free up the roundabout and break up the congestion….think it’s been overcomplicated and is a very expensive gamble!”

Alan Cass suggested, “Do not have lights, or at least only have them operating at rush hours, certainly not at night. See similar arrangements in Swindon.  I like the extra lanes but extend the 2 lane facilities way back down the Holt road and the bypass.”

Philip Rigby of Cycling UK wrote,  “I am very disappointed, in fact disgusted that it does not appear to incorporate any provision for cyclists who are the most vulnerable of all road users.”

See letters on page 26 for comments about the roundabout plans in full.