Pheasant Roundabout in Chippenham 'horrendous' for potholes

Multiple motorists have criticised Wiltshire Council over the string of potholes that have been causing issues for vehicles on the A4 Bath Road, at The Pheasant Roundabout in Chippenham.

Resurfacing took place on the busy A-road into the town centre, between Methuen Park and The Pheasant Roundabout, last year.

But the approach to the junction, and the roundabout itself, is the responsibility of developers and resurfacing is unlikely to take place until this summer, due to other roadworks in the area.

John Wright, who lives nearby in Cepen Park South, says he uses the route most days and has become frustrated by the state of the carriageway.

He said: “I would describe the road as horrendous. They’ve resurfaced from the Cepen Park South Roundabout but left it short of The Pheasant Roundabout.

“As you approach the roundabout there’s a strip of around 10 or 15 feet that is all covered in potholes.

The Pheasant Roundabout on the A4, Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

“All round the roundabout needs to be done as well, it’s been like this for a long time, and we just keep getting the same reply.”

He says issues with the quality of the road surface at the junction have been made worse by the ongoing roadworks at Showell and Patterdown.

The B-roads linking the A4 to the A350 at Lackham have been shut since January for roadworks, and the route is scheduled to remain closed until July, increasing traffic on the A4 at The Pheasant.

Mr Wright added: “It’s not good enough because it’s a main road and its taking even more traffic through the area every day.”

Cllr Nick Holder, the cabinet member for highways, said: “We are currently liaising with the developers with regard to resurfacing works at The Pheasant Roundabout.

“However, with the works already taking place at Patterdown due to the development, a closure for resurfacing is unlikely to take place until the summer months.”

Improvement works at the roundabout, including alterations to the crossing, initially began well over a year ago.

The Pheasant Roundabout on the A4, Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

An agreement struck with Wiltshire Council during the planning application process for the nearby Hunters Moon development saw developers commit to carrying out the upgrades.

But the project has been plagued by delays and fencing remained on the pavement of the junction for over 12 months while the work stalled.

This fencing has now been removed and some improvement works have been taking place.