‘Negligent’ housing developer under fire for unfinished pedestrian crossing

HOUSING developer, Taylor Wimpey, has come under fire for failing to uphold its promise to complete work installing a pedestrian crossing at the busy A365 roundabout next to the new Pathfinder Place housing development between Melksham and Bowerhill.  

In January, the developer told Melksham News that the crossing and majority of street lights – at the roundabout and along Pathfinder Way – would be operational by the end of March. However, the crossing and lighting remains out of action, despite the lighting columns being installed. 

The lack of a safe crossing for pedestrians across the A365 has previously been described as an ‘accident waiting to happen’, with residents explaining that they have witnessed confusion at the unfinished crossing, with pedestrians trying to use it and drivers unsure about who has the right of way when on the approach. 

Wiltshire councillor for the area, Nick Holder, has described the developer as ‘negligent’ and accused them of ‘passing the buck’ on to energy provider SSE, who is responsible for laying the ducting to provide a power source for the street lighting and crossing. 

Taylor Wimpey has again apologised for the delay and said that they ‘remain committed’ to have the street lights and crossing point operational at the ‘earliest opportunity’. 

Speaking to Melksham News, cllr Holder said, “Taylor Wimpey has been, and continue to remain, negligent in fulfilling their legal requirements. Wiltshire Council are now pursuing potential enforcement action to make them carry out what they are legally required to do. It has been raised at the highest level possible within Wiltshire Council, but Taylor Wimpey is continuing to blame other providers and pass the buck. 

“The people who live on Pathfinder Way need to understand that they have been significantly let down by Taylor Wimpey, who have not fulfilled their obligations. 

“There are people from phase one of the development trying to use that crossing to the town centre – but it is unsafe as the crossing has not been commissioned. It’s even more unsafe in the evening because the streetlights aren’t working – which is also a hazard for drivers.” 

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said, “We apologise for the delay in completing the works to the street lights and crossing points on Pathfinder Way. We are in regular contact with contractors, the service company and highway authority and are working closely with them to finalise arrangements to install the electricity supply cable. 

“We would like to assure residents that we remain committed to ensuring that the street lights and crossing points are made operational at the earliest opportunity and thank them for their continued patience.” 

Wiltshire Council was also approached for comment.