New Melksham path to boost cycling and walking

A new cycle track is being built to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school, Wiltshire Council has said.

Planning permission has been granted for the new route, which will run to Melksham Oak Secondary School on Bowerhill.

Once complete, it will link a new housing development on Rocket Road in east Melksham to the school.

“Our plans for this new fully-lit path deliver on our business plan commitment to increase walking and cycling,” said cabinet member for transport and assets Tamara Reay.

She added: “We know this can have a positive effect on children’s health and wellbeing, as well as contributing to our commitment to reducing Wiltshire’s carbon footprint and improving air quality.”

In accordance with planning permission rules, measures must be taken to protect local wildlife.

This includes protecting trees along the route and ensuring that lighting does not negatively impact wildlife.

“Once this process is complete we will begin work on site as soon as possible,” Ms Reay said.

“We will have more information on the start date and completion date of the works in the coming weeks.”

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