Drivers spotted using Wicker Hill despite it being closed

Wiltshire Council says the only traffic allowed on the road before it officially reopens next weekend (September 6/7) are delivery vehicles and those trying to reach private parking.

Some drivers have been steering their vehicles over a mound of tarmacadam and trying to use the road as a through route to Stallard Street.

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Wicker Hill continues to remain closed to through traffic.

“However, vehicular access is permitted for those reaching private parking areas or making deliveries to premises within the closure.

Signs go up for the closure of Manvers Street for the next phase of road and pavement improvements. (Image: Trevor Porter)

“Other than these exceptions, anyone using the road as a through route is contravening the legal traffic order and may face enforcement action.

“The Wicker Hill road closure is expected to be lifted early September. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to remind local people that businesses in the area remain open as usual.”

Meanwhile, work is due to begin on Monday, September 2 on a three-month project to improve the road and pavements in Manvers Street in Trowbridge.

The works are phase three of a £3 million Wiltshire Council project to improve the experience of walking and cycling into and around Trowbridge town centre.

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “The next phase of improvement works on Manvers Street will begin on Monday 2 September.

"During the first week, works that can be completed without the need for a full road closure will be undertaken such as the preparatory works for the enhancement.

"From Monday, 7 September, Manvers Street will be closed to vehicular traffic to facilitate the alterations to the kerbing and widening of the footway. At this time, Wicker Hill will be reopened to traffic.

“We anticipate the works on Manvers Street will be completed and the road reopened by mid-November.

“As we have seen in the areas which have already been completed, the enhancements have positively altered the environment in the town centre, and the feedback has generally been positive.

"Works of this nature, particularly in urban environments, inevitably cause disruption. We would like to thank people for their continued patience and remind residents and visitors that all local businesses will remain open as usual during this period.”

Manvers Street is a popular route into the town centre for pedestrians from the Sainsbury's store and residential areas. The aim is to further improve this route by opening up the area in front of Manvers House.

Changes will be made to the existing wall alignment and removal of the vegetation that currently blocks the view to Manvers House. There are also some trees identified as being in poor condition that will need to be removed.

Manvers Street will close on Monday for the next phase of works. (Image: Trevor Porter)

In addition, the footpath will be widened and paved with slabs to tie in with the surrounding paved areas.

New bus shelters will be provided outside Manvers House to create more space for those waiting for the bus and those walking through Manvers Street.

These will have 'green roofs' designed to support pollinating insects and enhance biodiversity into the town centre. New soft landscaping and heritage street light columns will be provided.

Work has already taken place in Fore Street and Wicker Hill as Trowbridge benefits from the government's £16.3m investment via the Future High Streets Fund.

The improvement schemes began in January and are scheduled to last until December.