LONGSTANDING concerns about the volume of traffic going through Quidhampton have been heightened since roadworks at nearby Skew Bridge have led to more drivers finding a quicker route to Salisbury through the village.

One little boy has been knocked off his bike and residents have reported a number of near misses.

In 1991, a survey revealed 1,756 vehicles travelling through the village daily between 7am and 7pm.

In 2002, the figure had risen to more than 4,000.

And, say villagers, it has increased substantially since the roadworks began last June.

With those roadworks estimated to take up to three months longer than originally forecast, the problem will only continue.

In 1996, a petition was given to highway authority Wiltshire county council and a number of traffic-calming schemes have been discussed.

But, said parish council chairman Clive Vincent, the schemes have been denied the necessary funding and the village is no nearer to receiving a solution to the ever-growing problem.

He said a scheme had now been proposed for improved road signage and markings to deter non-essential traffic, the installation of a footpath, bollards to protect pedestrians, pinch points to reduce the speed of traffic, and a 20mph limit through the village.

"While there is no guarantee our application will be successful, the parish council will be doing everything to raise the profile and gain recognition of the desperate plight the village faces through an ever-increasing volume of traffic," he said.

Katie Emmett, who has lived in Quidhampton for eight years, said: "My son, Henry, was knocked off his bike and I was knocked into the bushes.

"They have talked about footpaths and traffic-calming but nothing has been done.

"It's a convenient rat run and, when the roadworks are finished, I think drivers will continue to use it."

Patrick and Jane Woodward described the last year as "horrendous".

Ted Thorton, who has lived in the village for 81 years, agreed.

"I remember horses and carts coming through the village - it's impossible to get any peace now," he said.