WITH the new school term just days away, housebuilders Taylor Wimpey have come under renewed fire for failing to complete the work to instal pedestrian crossings near the new Pathfinder Place housing development between Melksham and Bowerhill.
In January, the developer told Melksham News that the crossings and majority of street lights – on the busy A350 and along Pathfinder Way – would be operational by the end of March.
In May, with the crossing still out of action – Taylor Wimpey said that they ‘remain committed’ to having the street lights and crossing point operational at the ‘earliest opportunity’.
But anger is growing from local councillors and residents who have heavily criticised the developers for the continued delay with the new school term about the start and the development now occupied, many with school-age children.
“It really is not acceptable,” said local councillor Nick Holder.
“We met with Taylor Wimpey earlier in the summer and they made a whole load of assurances that this was going to be resolved and that the pedestrian crossings and lights were going to be operational in July; we went away from that meeting quite happy. They assured us it was all in hand.”
Then, he said, about three weeks ago, Taylor Wimpey said there was an issue with the remote monitoring system – and blamed Wiltshire Council. “But it’s Taylor Wimpey’s responsibility and they are simply trying to pass the buck,” added Nick Holder.
“Wiltshire Council have even said the crossings could be switched on but with the remote monitoring added later, but Taylor Wimpey said they still can’t guarantee the lights will be switched on by the end of August.
“Now the council is going to instal temporary lights because we need to secure the safety of residents and school pupils. There have been a series of broken promises. It’s shocking and simply not acceptable.”
Melksham Without Parish councillors have also condemned the developers.
“This should have been completed months ago, there are no excuses,” said cllr Richard Wood. “The houses have been sold and are all occupied; local people have been badly let down.”
Cllr Mark Harris said, “People have to take their lives in their hands going across the busy A350 to get into town; it’s unsafe and the crossings should have been installed and operational before the houses were occupied.”
Cllr Nick Holder added, “We’ve had two meetings with Taylor Wimpey this week (week commencing 15th August) and they have said they can’t guarantee the lights will be switched on by the start of the school term, so Wiltshire Council will now be taking steps to install a temporary crossing on four locations to make sure there will be safe walking routes from the estates to school It’s a complete and utter shambles.”
A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We understand the frustration of local residents and apologise for the ongoing delay in completing the works to the pedestrian crossings.
“We would like to assure the community that we are in close contact with contractors and highway officers and we are working towards having the crossings commissioned before the start of the new school term.
“Taylor Wimpey is providing regular updates on the works to councillors at Melksham Town Council and Wiltshire Council. While every effort will be made to get the permanent crossing points commissioned before the new school term, temporary crossing points will be put in place if needed.”
