RESIDENTS from the town and surrounding parishes will be asked next year for their opinions on how movement through the town could be improved.
The ‘movement consultation’ will explore how people and vehicles move in, out and around the town – and cover topics such as cycling and walking routes, and electric car charging points – asking residents what they would like to see in the town.
The consultation, which would help develop a ‘movement strategy’ for the future of the town, has been described as a “very important piece of work” and “terribly exciting” by town councillors. And it is hoped that the work could help with the town council’s pledge to support the ‘climate emergency’.
The ‘movement strategy’ is one of the “next steps” outlined in the ‘Melksham Town 2020-2036’ report – which outlines the strategic vision for the town. The report was adopted by the town council at the end of 2019.
At last week’s town council’s economic development and planning meeting, Gerald Milward-Oliver from Townswork, a consultancy company hired by the town council to create the ‘Melksham Town 2020-2036’ report said, “This is an exciting opportunity to involve people across the town and villages in a positive and constructive initiative.
“It addresses people’s new-found enthusiasm for walking and cycling – it could provide a strong pillar in the fight to rebuild the town’s economy post-Covid and it might lead to real progress in dealing with the climate emergency.”
It was highlighted at the meeting that a new A350 bypass for the town, which has been proposed by Wiltshire Council, could make a big difference to the volume and type of traffic going trough the town – in particular to the north of the Farmers Roundabout.
“It could accelerate pedestrian and cycle friendly changes to the town centre and offer better routes to the railway station,” said Gerald.
The town council will provide resources and leadership for the project, but will work in partnership with neighbouring parishes in the community area.
The timeline for the project proposes a consultation in February/March next year, followed by public workshops and meetings, before a final report and recommendations are produced in July.
At the meeting, councillors unanimously agreed to recommend to full council that the budget for the ‘movement consultation’ be underwritten by the council, using £6,000 from general reserves from this year’s budget, and £6,500 from the 2021/22 budget.
If approved by full council, it is hoped that funding from other sources can be found, including surrounding parish councils, to help reduce the cost to the town council.
