Skew Bridge Crisis - MP Meets Top Brass

Following continuing delays to work at Skew Bridge, Robert Key MP will meet senior Highways Agency officials on site for an explanation and for assurances on the completion of the work. Joining them will be representatives from the contactors, Atkins and engineers, Geoffrey Osborne.

Work started on this major scheme at the beginning of June 2003, and was expected to last 45 weeks. More than one year on, there continues to be enormous disruption to the economic and social life of West Salisbury.

Robert Key has monitored developments since work started and sympathises with the frustration and anger felt by those affected. He said, “No-one should under-estimate the stress and strain on nearby residents who have suffered from broken sleep caused by noise and light pollution, dust and dirt, as well as travel disruption to normal family, work, and leisure activities. The business community has also been affected – not only close to Skew Bridge. Wilton Shopping Village reports business down by 40%, Wilton Garden Centre says Sunday trading is virtually dead and Wilts & Dorset buses cannot start their ‘intelligent signage’ because it is impossible to programme bus schedules. On behalf of all those affected I will seek credible explanations and promises which must be kept.”

Robert Key’s meeting will take place on Friday 23rd July 2004 at 10:00.