Wiltshire's wonky road repairs to be decided by council

The B4069 was shut in February 2022 after it buckled due to subsidence

A road that was destroyed by a landslip nearly two years ago may be one step closer to being repaired.

The B4069 between Lyneham and Chippenham, known as Lyneham Banks, shut in February 2022 after Storm Eunice tore up the road.

Wiltshire councillor Caroline Thomas said: "What's really important is to get the road open."

If all goes to plan and budget, Wiltshire Council hope the road could be open by early 2025 at the latest.

The multi-million pound solution includes new drainage features and a new 109m (357.7ft) stretch of wall which measures 10-12m (32-3ft) deep and will stabilise the bank and the road.

Ms Thomas said: "We don't want to rush into things because we don't want to have to redo it"

Ms Thomas, cabinet member for highways and transport, said the road is "a really important route for local people and we fully understand it affects local business".

The road has continued to move and plans for the repairs have had to adapt, increasing costs and making for a "tricky balance" for the authority's budget.

She said the council has approached the Department of Transport and other government departments, hoping to get financial support.

Ms Thomas explained costs for the project range from under £5m all the way up to more than £12m.

Landlord Simon Manners said he is worried the work will be left too long and the council will not be able to do it

Landlord of the Cross Keys Inn in Bradenstoke, Simon Manners, said he has lost an average of £1,000 each month the road has been closed.

"We've had these promises it was going to be started this year. Nothing happened," he explained.

"Last year they said they could've done something but they didn't [and] it's now coming up to two years and then how many other years is it going to be?

"The cost will keep spiralling and the damage will get worse and worse and then they'll just say we can't do it." he added.

However, John Williams, a Lyneham Banks resident of 36 years said: "It's great news. All the people up the Banks will be absolutely thrilled when this happens.

"There are questions still... [but it is] great news it's going to happen, if it does… I'm sure it will."

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