Pathway plan to create 'sustainable' travel options

Preparations have begun to build a footpath and cycleway to provide a "safe, sustainable" transport route for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Wiltshire Council said the shared-use Melksham Oak footpath, in Wiltshire, would create an "essential link" between Melksham Oak Community School and the surrounding community areas.

Councillor Tamara Reay said the project was a "fantastic step forward" in Wiltshire Council's commitment to "creating safe travel options".

The work is expected to be completed by Spring 2025.

On completion, the path will be three metres wide and the first phase will extend from the relief road on the new East Melksham development, across nearby fields and connect to Melksham Oak school and the Woolmore Farm site.

Following this, phase two will see the construction of the final section from the northern boundary of Woolmore Farm to the A365 Bath Road.

Once preparations are complete, the main work to build the path will begin early in the new year, subject to suitable ground conditions.

The initial work for the first phase of the project will, at times, require temporary traffic management to be in place for a period to control access to and from the site, the council said.

Ms Reay said: "It will significantly benefit students, residents and visitors alike, providing healthier and more sustainable travel options and strengthening connectivity across our community, enabling more people to leave their car at home should they wish to do so."

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