CAMPAIGNERS desperately waiting for news on the progress of Semington bypass believe the latest accident in the village proves how vital the project is.

A 39-year-old van driver suffered neck and head injuries when he was knocked down near the village post office last Friday.

Post office owner Jim Lloyd, 55, who has worked in the village for six years, said he heard the crash and the victim's cries for help.

"He was obviously in a lot of pain. People called the ambulance from their mobile phones.

"The ambulance was there very quickly, but the road blocked up almost immediately.

"Cars and lorries go through the village too fast, especially over the humpback bridge."

The van driver, who is an employee with White Arrow, was taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath with minor neck and head injuries.

The A350 Melksham to Trowbridge road was blocked off for more than an hour.

The accident comes just weeks before the result of a public inquiry into the £10m Semington bypass is due.

A Government inspection has been reviewing the scheme, which campaigners hope will take six million cars a year away from the Wiltshire village.

The result of the two-week enquiry is expected within weeks.