Frustration as months of roadworks begin

A farmer says it is frustrating that two months of roadworks have started next to his land during one of his busiest months of the year.

Phil Collins, who runs a pumpkin picking site near the A3102, said the week leading up to Halloween is his second-busiest time of the year.

But he is concerned about losing trade as roadworks on the A3102/A342 junction at Bromham began earlier and will continue until December.

Wiltshire Council, which is responsible for the works, said the works were important for improving road safety.

The roadworks at Bromham form the next stage of a £7m scheme which aims to improve safety on a 22-mile (35km) stretch between Junction 16 of the M4 and the A350 in Melksham.

In Bromham, a new island junction is being built to make right turns safer for A3102 traffic. Temporary traffic lights were turned on earlier.

Collins, who farms 150 acres in Bromham, said the timings are disappointing.

"The trouble is it's going to slow people down to get to our place from Chippenham or Calne," he said.

"It's going to have quite a monetary impact on us. This year has been so bad anyway, it's just another kick in the proverbials.

"Halloween is our second-busiest time of the year after Christmas."

Overnight road closures are also scheduled between 27 November and 5 December, from 19:00 GMT to 06:00, as part of the roadworks.

Collins said he is worried about the potential dip in trade after a difficult year caused by this summer's extreme heat.

He lost 6,000 cauliflowers, priced at £1.25 each, and also had to throw away huge numbers of potatoes which shrivelled in the high temperatures.

"It's been hard," he added. "We have 150 acres and I think we only had 60 acres of them which actually produced anything to sell."

The council's A3102 Safer Road scheme began in 2023 and is being funded by the Department for Transport. It is due to be complete by the end of 2027.

Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "The closures are necessary to allow key elements of the scheme to be completed safely.

"We thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while these improvements are carried out."

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