Hilperton to Melksham link would boost cycling and walking

A SCHEME to reallocate road space to prioritise cycling and walking, which includes a link from Hilperton to Melksham via Semington, is asking for more funding by Wiltshire Council. 

If successful, the Hilperton to Melksham via Semington link would be a  permanent facility, complementing the new cycling facility on the Hilperton Road, and links Hilperton to Melksham via Semington, removing the need for cyclists to travel on this section of the A361. 

The scheme starts at Hilperton, with a closure on Devizes Road, and then follows a length of shared-use path on the north side of the A361 to allow cyclists to access Whaddon Lane. The route then follows a byway to Semington, along High Street and towards Melksham before reaching the A350.

The council has submitted a second bid to the Department for Transport for funding of up to £1.7million for the project which will create five different projects around Wiltshire, which meet the DfT aims for cycling to replace journeys previously made by public transport and deliver significant health, environmental and congestion benefits.

Wiltshire cllr Bridget Wayman said, “As set out in our Local Transport Plan, we are committed to promoting cycling and walking in Wiltshire.

“We also recognise that cycling infrastructure is most effective in areas where the potential for cycling is higher and when it can be combined with other measures. It’s for this reason that these bids are focused on our towns, often linking town centres with peripheral areas.

“We’re hopeful that all of these projects will be accepted for funding, but some of the projects may not be successful. We hope to hear more from DfT on this in the coming weeks.

“We look forward to the successful routes being completed so cyclists and walkers can use them and enjoy the health and environmental benefits.”

To find out more, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ highways-road-reallocation-schemes