GAZETTE & HERALD: Brunel's historic western arches, a prominent feature of Chippenham's architectural heritage, have been left bodged by Network Rail, according to historic buildings experts.

North Wiltshire District Council is bracing itself to take on the might of Network Rail with planning enforcement if the organisation doesn't make good unsatisfactory repairs to the heritage site.

"It is a Grade II* Listed structure, and one of the principal structures of Brunel's Great Western Railway. It has potential to be listed as a World Heritage site. It is very important and anything that happens to it is of concern to us," said Mike Jackson, principal historic buildings officer.

Around a dozen members of the public have also phoned the district council to complain about the work on the arches.

The main problem, according to Mr Jackson, is the Bath stonework all around the base of the structure up to about 1.5 metres in height.

When the arches were built in the 1840s, the stonework was rusticated patterned by hand to create a dimpled effect on the surface.

Unfortunately the modern day masons have not taken such care with the rustication and appear simply to have drilled into the stone to create the same effect and Mr Jackson wasn't happy with the result.

If repairs are like for like, planning permission is not required, but Network Rail reacted to the district council's opinion of the work by submitting a retrospective Listed Building application asking for permission to make the changes, which planning officers refused.

A letter has been sent to Network Rail asking for the substandard work to be redone and the district council hopes a satisfactory conclusion can be negotiated.

If Network Rail refuses to alter the work, enforcement officers are prepared to issue an enforcement action and even fight the case in court.

Drivers could also face a new traffic nightmare if more repair work does end up being done. While the bridge wouldn't necessarily be closed for the making good, it is likely traffic lights would be needed to close off one lane.

The Mayor of Chippenham Coun Ross Henning said: "From the point of view of being a builder I would say the standard of work is fine but the materials used and the finish are very poor.

"As a builder I have to deal with the historic buildings people when I am working with listed buildings and if I can't get away with anything, why should Network Rail?"

A spokesman for Network Rail responded: "The works which were undertaken before Christmas were safety driven - Network Rail cannot compromise the safety of the railway.

"Network Rail are currently undertaking a plan which will identify if any remediation works need to take place."