Roadworks in Fore Street and Wicker Hill in Trowbridge should be completed by Saturday, September 7 and the roads reopened, Wiltshire Council says.

The council is undertaking improvement works in the town centre as part of a £16.3 million government investment via the Future High Street Fund.

The works are intended to improve the space for pedestrians, connect the town centre to the railway station, and create new open spaces.

The project began on January 15 and is scheduled to last about 12 months. It includes work on Wicker Hill, Manvers Street, and Fore Street. 

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This sign says the works will be completed by 3 August 2024. This sign says the works will be completed by 3 August 2024. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Wiltshire Council said the second phase by Milestone Infrastructure would begin on May 13 and was expected to last three months and be complete by late summer.

Some residents say it is now mid-August, and the work is still not complete.

Trowbridge Town Council leader Stewart Palmen said: “When I have asked for dates directly I have always been given September 2024 but agree the signs imply August.”

Residentrs say that despite this sign saying the works will be completed in three months the roads are still not open. Residents say that despite this sign saying the works will be completed in three months the roads are still not open. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for highways, said: “The current phase of works at Wicker Hill and Fore Street is progressing well with civils work, road resurfacing and road markings set to be finished by 1 September.

“Unfortunately, the specialist imprint surfacing used to create the paving slab-like features, in-keeping with the similar road styles in the area, will start a bit later, on 2 September.

“As a result, the current traffic management arrangements will remain in place until 6 September.

“During that week whilst the specialist surfacing is being completed, Milestone will begin work on Manvers Street, having identified elements of work they can complete without this road being completely closed.

“Wicker Hill/Fore Street will reopen from 7 September and then Manvers Street will close and that phase of works begins in earnest.

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“It is expected that works will be complete with the closure being removed around mid-November. 

“The final phase of the works relates to the footpath works on Hill Street, outside the former bathroom shop and Kitchener’s Court, and weather permitting all works are anticipated to be completed before Christmas 2024.

“These type of works inevitably cause disruption and I would like to thank people for their continued understanding whilst these significant improvements to the town centre are completed.  I would also like to remind residents and visitors that all businesses remain open as usual.”

Due to the nature of the works and the local environment, temporary traffic management has been used to ensure that safe access is maintained for the public, businesses, residents and the contractor’s workers.