Unfinished Bowerhill pedestrian crossing is ‘accident waiting to happen’

RESIDENTS and local councillors have raised concerns about the safety of an unfinished pedestrian crossing at the A365 roundabout next to the new Pathfinder Place housing development in Bowerhill. 

They have described the situation as an ‘accident waiting to happen’, explaining that they have seen pedestrians trying to use the unfinished crossing and drivers unsure who has the right of way when approaching the crossing. 

The lack of street lighting on Pathfinder Way has also been raised as a safety concern, despite the lighting columns being installed.

According to Melksham Without Parish Council, these works are “way past the due date” and should have already been completed by the housing developer responsible for the Pathfinder Place development, Taylor Wimpey.

They have also flagged that ‘no progress’ has been made to install a pedestrian crossing on the south western edge of the site near the play park over the A365. 

The developer has apologised for the delay and told Melksham News that the ‘majority of the street lights’ and crossing points on Pathfinder Way and the A365 roundabout will be operational by the end of March.

Temporary street lighting was installed in late-December following pressure from Wiltshire councillor for Bowerhill, Nick Holder. 

But the Bowerhill representative has said that the timescale to have the crossing operational is ‘not acceptable’ and that it is an ‘accident waiting to happen’.

“March is way too late,” said cllr Holder, “especially as we are in the winter months and it gets dark early.”

In response to the concerns, a spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said, “We understand the concerns of local residents and would like to assure them that we are committed to completing all outstanding works at the earliest opportunity. 

“We anticipate that the majority of the street lights and crossing points on Pathfinder Way and the A365 roundabout will be operational by the end of March and we are working closely with our contractors, service company and highway authority to ensure that the required highway works can be completed as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience as we continue to work in the area and thank local residents for their ongoing patience.”

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for transport & streetscene, cllr Dr Mark McClelland added, “Unfortunately the works at the Pathfinder site have been impacted by the Covid pandemic, with delays leading from resource issues experienced by both the main contractor and SSE – both of whom are key to getting the street lighting completed.

“I can confirm that the ducting for the street lighting is currently being laid on both Bath Road and Pathfinder Way. This is likely to take a couple more weeks, but once installed, SSE will be able to attend the site and complete the required cabling and connection work.

“The pedestrian crossing signals rely on the same power source as the lighting, so will be completed once the street lighting work has been finished.”