A FURTHER 184 homes in Amesbury will be affected by an increase in traffic-related noise after the new flyover is built at the Countess Road roundabout, it was announced last month.

The environmental statement published in June indicated that only 322 properties would be affected by the changes but, following a number of amendments, the Highways Agency has written to residents in Amesbury to explain why this number should have read 506.

Of these, the majority will only experience a rise of between one to three decibels - undetectable by the human ear - but 22 homes will notice a rise of between three and five decibels.

Speaking at a meeting of Amesbury town council, councillor Dennis Brown told fellow members that the Highways Agency had made a number of errors in their original calculations that had resulted in the new figures.

These included a failure to include houses in and around Ratfyn Road in the total number of potential properties affected by the scheme and setting some receptors at an incorrect height.

Mr Brown added: "What is annoying is this moving of the goalposts after the public consultation process has been finished.

"I believe this town council should write formally and ask for some indication to be given on what noise-alleviation measures are available for those whose houses will be affected and how much could be claimed, if you like, in the form of compensation."

Councillor John Noeken seconded Mr Brown's proposal and urged the town council to write to the chairman of the public inquiry, the Highways Agency, Salisbury district council and Wiltshire county council to express their concerns over the matter.

"It is the contention of many that any improvement to the roundabout situation is welcome but improvement at any price is not acceptable, thus any increase in noise levels should not be allowed," said Mr Noeken.

"I am sure we are aware of the soundproofing measures that have been taken in other parts of the country, very noticeably for instance, on the M3 and M25.

"Indeed, I believe soundproof barriers are to be put in place on parts of the Winterbourne Stoke bypass.

"These must be included for residents of Amesbury.

"We have but one chance to get this proposal right and to make it beneficial to the residents of Amesbury."