Wiltshire Council has announced that it is on track to open the Melksham Eastern Relief Road (MERR) by the end of the month.

Whilst the council had previously only committed to opening the long-awaited route before the end of the year, it has now indicated that it should be ready before the end of November.

Cllr Phil Alford first mentioned the news on a Melksham Facebook group, and Cllr Nick Holder, the cabinet member for highways, has since confirmed that "the final step in the legal process" is being completed.

READ MORE: Row over delays in opening the Melksham East Relief Road

Locals have expressed their frustrations at the delay.Locals have expressed their frustrations at the delay. (Image: Trevor Porter) This final step involves the “sealing” of the traffic regulation orders (TROs); documents which, according to the council, have been one of the principal causes of delay.  

Cllr Holder added: “The roundabout works, two signal-controlled toucan pedestrian crossings and street lighting are nearing completion and will be subject to inspections by council officers and a road safety audit.

“We are working hard to resolve these final issues before the road can reopen, and we are on track for this to be completed before the end of November.”

The cabinet member has faced strong criticism for the MERR delays, with fellow councillor Jon Hubbard previously describing the issue as a "betrayal of trust”.

SEE ALSO: Wiltshire Council gives update on Melksham East Relief Road

Cllr Mike Sankey claimed that the delays were “the result of Wiltshire Council’s negligence and failure in policing and enforcing planning agreements with the developers, Bloor Homes and David Wilson Homes”.

He said: “Wiltshire Council had a perfect opportunity with the development of this road infrastructure to be proactive and demonstrate some joined up thinking, looking at the wider road network and coming up with a suite of measures to co-ordinate and implement simultaneously when the new road opened.

“Sadly, Wiltshire Council failed to seize that opportunity to what will be the ongoing detriment of the local community.”

Meanwhile, local resident Garry Fossey said: “I know Snowberry Lane was neither intended nor designed as a relief road.

“Not only have several residents’ houses suffered structural damage owing to being in very close proximity to the road but also large groups of children walking to and from Melksham Oak Community School on narrow footpaths which are also relatively close to the road along Snowberry Lane have been placed in considerable risk owing to a regular flow of, often speeding as evidenced by radar speed signs, HGVs.

“Additionally, residents have been subjected to persistent noise pollution starting as early as 6am and those alongside the road have had to close their windows during the summer months.”

He added: “In the event Cllr Phil Alford doesn’t deliver on his personal assurances that MERR will open by end November 2024, especially taking into account he has willingly accepted responsibility for this, the only option open to him will be to resign from Wiltshire Council Cabinet and maybe even as a Wiltshire Councillor.”

Cllr Alford was also contacted for comment.

When speaking about the MERR in October, Cllr Holder stated that a “balanced decision” was made to prioritise the safety concerns of sorting out the crossing “to help kids get to school ahead of issuing the TRO”.

He noted: “I'm satisfied that the right decisions were made, but we probably should have communicated it better.”

Cllr Holder admitted that communicating planning technicalities to residents and councillors can be difficult, but stated: “Opening up a road safely, with safety audits, with appropriate signage, with appropriate pedestrian crossings, has to be of paramount importance.”