There is anger over a road just north of Highworth being temporarily reopened for Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT). 

The highway between Hannington Wick and Kempsford was closed in January 2023 after drainage culverts under the road began collapsing. 

Locals have had to navigate this closure for the last 18 months with no sign of it ending. 

And that's why the decision to reopen the road temporarily for last year's RIAT and do the same thing again this year has caused anger among locals.

In a similar vein to the plot of the film 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' one local has written a series of messages on the road to get their point across. 

The collection of messages written across the length of the road says: "Why is the road closed for 18 months to locals, then open for the RIAT?"

(Image: Public Submission)

(Image: Public Submission)

(Image: Public Submission)

One dog walker who happened across the messages said: "The road between Hannington Wick and Kempsford has been closed for over 18 months causing untold inconvenience to locals and those who use the road to commute to work or visit family and friends.

"There have been no moves to repair or open the road apart from one weekend in 2023 and now next weekend for the RIAT.

"Whilst walking my dog last night it became clear that somebody wants to know why it can only be opened for the RIAT."

After the road was reopened last year, Gloucester County Council's local highway manager Dan Tiffney, said: “We have had to close the Hannington Wick road after a number of drainage culverts under the road were found to be collapsing.

“The road has been closed to keep everyone safe while we undergo a design and repair of the culverts.

“This process is well underway and we will complete the repair as quickly as we can. We apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this closure and thank residents and businesses for their patience.

“The council is working with the organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo to put temporary measures in place to allow the road to be used over the weekend."