GAZETTE & HERALD: RESIDENTS in Monkton Park are demanding a second access road into the cul-de-sac before 300 new homes are built after turning down the opportunity 10 years ago.

Although no plans have been approved, the Cocklebury Road site has been sold subject to contract to developers and the homes are due to be built in the next few years.

At an open day at Monkton Park School, 400 people said they wanted to see a secondary road constructed before development takes place.

But back in 1995 the chance to improve the traffic situation was missed when residents voted against a secondary road, as at the time they did not think it was necessary..

Herbie England, of Eastern Avenue, said he voted against the second route exit previously. He said: "There was no expansion back then so there was really no point we could cope. But things have now changed dramatically and I will certainly be campaigning for a new exit.

"They are living in cloud cuckoo land if they think people will use public transport. We are very, very concerned about the amount of traffic.

"Our lives are at risk here if emergency vehicles cannot get up either Station Hill or Monkton Hill. We are stuck. Our elected politicians have really got to force the issue on the developers to pay for it."

David Rowlands, who also lives in Eastern Avenue, said he wanted the road to be completed before any building work commenced.

"It really is desperately needed," he said. "Station Road is often impassable when there is a delivery.

"Money is being wasted fooling around with Monkton Hill when what's really needed is a second road. It's common sense.

"The attitude seems to be to hell with the residents already living on Monkton Park as long as the developers make their money."

Steve Hulbert, who lives in The Tinings, said the majority of residents weren't against the actual development, but were concerned that if Station Road were grid locked or closed, emergency services couldn't get onto the estate.

"We are desperate for a new way into the estate," he said. "It's not just the 900 homes it's the school, the college and the new record office too.

"With 300 new homes the traffic would be ridiculous it's starting to be madness up here already.

"What we don't want is for them to whack the houses up and to worry about the other issues later. I for one am petrified about what will happen."

He suggested a level crossing from the car park behind Halfords over the railway line into the station car park gated and locked for the use of emergency vehicles only.

Other irritants include the proposals for Monkton Hill, which could see it being made into a one-way system or traffic lights put in.

Residents want to see an exit over the narrow Cocklebury Bridge, connecting the estate with the B4069.

The new County Record Office, which is moving from Trowbridge to the old cattle market, is the only section of the Cocklebury Road development to have planning permission.

Proposals to build 39 homes on the former Hartwell Ford garage site will be going to appeal in June, and it is anticipated the other 250 homes will be built opposite, between the record office and Darcy Close.

Wiltshire County Council now wants to divert cyclists away from Monkton Hill, which is used by people wanting to avoid busy New Road.

But instead of Monkton Hill, the plans involve a lengthy detour through Monkton Park.

The proposals are on display at the Emery Gate Shopping Centre on April 23 between 10am and 4pm.