Melksham Town Centre Improvements

2.24.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Jun 2009

Improvements to Melksham town centre will start in August.

The changes will enhance the street scene, and provide an improved environment for all users, particularly pedestrians and shoppers. They should also improve the look of the historic market place.

Wiltshire Council (WC) will be starting the first 13 week phase on August 3.

This will take place along the High Street between Lowbourne and Strattons Walk. A new wider footway, using surface materials to match those in Bank Street, will be built on the eastern side of the road, starting at the Strattons Walk end. The existing traffic signal controlled crossing will be upgraded to a new version and the western footway between Avon Place and the Lowbourne roundabout will also be reconstructed using the new paving and kerbs. Traditional style street lighting will be installed to continue the theme through the town centre.

The council will keep local people informed of progress with regular newsletters. These will be available on the Wiltshire Council website, www.wiltshire.gov.uk/towncentreschemes, and in the foyer of Melksham Town Hall during the construction period, along with plans.

Steve Hind, principal WC highway engineer, said: "I am pleased that people in Melksham have will have this opportunity to view the proposed improvements for the town centre.

"By working together we can now start to give the town centre a fresh look and a new feeling of vigour and vitality which will benefit everyone.

"As ever with this type of scheme, compromises have had to be made but the result will be a better place for people to live, shop and visit."

During the work traffic will be restricted. Vehicles will only be able to proceed through the site from the Church Street direction towards Lowbourne. Diversion routes will be clearly signed and a temporary 7.5 tonne weight restriction will be in place on Queensway and Blackmore Road to avoid heavy vehicles using this route. A temporary pedestrian crossing point will be provided while the existing traffic signal crossing is upgraded. "Businesses Open as Usual" signs will be placed in strategic locations to avoid any confusion to shoppers.