Business · Trowbridge
Trowbridge business owners demand action as roadworks hit trade
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Local traders say a concentration of road schemes is strangling town centre footfall, leading to calls for better coordination from Wiltshire Council.
Business owners in Trowbridge are warning that their livelihoods are being threatened by a wave of concurrent roadworks, which they claim has turned the county town into a difficult environment for both customers and delivery services.
Traders across the town have reported a significant downturn in activity, citing the combined impact of multiple road schemes as a primary factor in reduced footfall and income. Among those speaking out is Bill Ellis, owner of The Key Shop, who estimated his weekly takings have fallen by approximately £500. He described the current situation as a major deterrent, noting that the combination of closures and delays has led many potential shoppers to avoid the centre entirely in favour of nearby towns like Devizes and Melksham.
The disruption has been particularly acute for those reliant on efficient transport. Robert Cundick, owner of Alpha Taxis, reported that standard journey times have increased from five minutes to as long as 30 minutes in some instances. This has not only impacted the earnings of self-employed drivers but has caused downstream issues for passengers, including missed appointments and delayed travel.
The scale of the works has drawn sharp criticism from the local business community. Ben Taylor, of JMS Carpets, described the current traffic conditions as an absolute nightmare, criticising the perceived lack of coordination by the local authority. The concerns focus on the decision to carry out multiple infrastructure projects simultaneously, which businesses argue creates a cumulative effect that is far worse than if works were sequenced.
Specific areas currently identified as experiencing significant traffic pressure include the approach to Trowbridge from Frome via Mortimer Street, West Ashton Road, and the B3105, which has caused notable delays at Staverton. Other key routes, such as County Way, Bradford Road and Newtown, have also seen persistent congestion.
In response to the mounting pressure, David Bullock, Director for Highways at Wiltshire Council, acknowledged the disruption currently facing residents and businesses. He explained that the works currently underway comprise a mix of highway improvements, essential utility maintenance and urgent repairs.
Mr Bullock stated that while the council endeavours to coordinate projects to minimise impact, unforeseen engineering challenges have forced extensions to several schemes. The council is currently monitoring the network on a daily basis and has confirmed that traffic signal timings around the Longfield Gyratory have been adjusted to manage congestion. This specifically includes efforts to assist traffic diverted from the busy West Ashton Road route onto County Way. Further adjustments are expected to be implemented as the council continues to work with contractors and utility providers to complete the current phase of repairs.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Trowbridge · View original