6 days ago
New footpath opens to connect school with surrounding communities
A new shared-use path is now open, connecting a school with surrounding communities.
The footpath and cycleway in Melksham links Melksham Oak Community School to the Woolmore Farm development and the wider east Melksham area.
Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said: "There have been some challenges along the way to building this shared-use path, but we're pleased that we can now celebrate its opening.
"This project is a step forward in our commitment to creating safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly travel options for Wiltshire residents, and this path will benefit students, residents, and visitors alike, providing healthier and more sustainable travel options, and enabling more people to leave their car at home should they wish to do so."
Read more: Wiltshire pub says goodbye to landlords and reopens after 'reset'
The path, more than three metres wide, is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists and will have seating and planters installed over the next six weeks.
The upgrades are scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the new school year.
The path is part of a larger connectivity project.
The next phase will extend the route from Woolmore Farm to the A365 Bath Road.
This section will be delivered by the housing developer as part of the ongoing Woolmore Farm scheme.
Cllr Smith said: "We look forward to seeing this next phase progress in due course."
Wiltshire Council has described the project as a key part of its strategy to promote more sustainable travel choices across the county.
