A PLAN for a possible cycle lane between Melksham and Hilperton has moved forward following a strong show of public support for the scheme.
In a recent Wiltshire Council public consultation about five possible cycle lane schemes, which had 1,724 responses, 80% of participants said that they support the Hilperton to Melksham cycle lane. The proposed cycle lane will link Hilperton to Melksham via Semington, removing the need for cyclists to travel on this section of the A361.
Wiltshire Council reports, “Taking into account the views of survey respondents, along with available funding and adherence to DfT guidelines, Cabinet is considering taking forward the Hilperton to Melksham via Semington, and the Easton Lane between Chippenham and Corsham schemes. There will be further consultation on these two schemes in due course.”
The council consulted the public on which of the five schemes it should take forward as it had received less funding than it bid for from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Active Travel Fund.
The proposed Hilperton to Melksham 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.
Wiltshire Council’s Bridget Wayman, added, “We will hold a further consultation on the two projects we are considering taking forward – Hilperton to Melksham via Semington, and Easton Lane – in the coming months. Cycling and walking bring many benefits to health, air quality and carbon reduction, and we remain committed to promoting active travel in Wiltshire.”
To find out more about the scheme and other proposals by Wiltshire Council, visit the website: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-road-reallocation-schemes
