Traffic issues were the main concerns raised at a public exhibition for a proposed business park in Westbury that could create up to 1,500 new jobs.

Land opposite the entrance to the West Wilts Trading Estate has been identified for employment use within the draft Wiltshire Core Strategy.

John and April Masson, from Hawkeridge, said: “Transport is inadequate. The bus service takes a maximum of 60 people and there are no footpaths. This will only increase the traffic.” A woman from Heywood said: “Our concern is the road and if it is fit for an increase in traffic.”

Another man, who has lived in Westbury for 30 years, said: “This scheme is a disgrace. The town centre should be the first priority.”

Developers HPH Commercial Property say the 35-acre park will bring mains drainage, mains gas, high speed broadband, high capacity electrical connections and a new roundabout on Hawkeridge Road. Around 40 people visited last Thursday’s exhibition – 55 per cent were for the plans and 45 per cent against.

Chris Wordsworth, development director of HPH, which owns the land, said: “We can integrate some feedback into the plans.” People have until July 16 to comment, and for more details, see www.hawke-ridge.com l A production error in our story on July 5 inadvertently mis-spelt the company’s website address. We apologise for the error and any problems it caused readers.