Changes made to 4 week Coped Hall and Hook Road closure

Coped Hall is a vital commuter road in the town in Royal Wootton Bassett, connecting the town to Hook, Purton and Lydiard Millicent.

But from Monday, November 18, Wales and West Utilities announced it would close the road completely for four weeks while mains replacement works are carried out.

A 7.5 mile diversion route was put in place, and despite criticism from residents and councillors who declared the closure an "absolute nightmare", Wiltshire Council remained firm in its decision.

"Wiltshire Council needs these works completed and off the network by the beginning of the year as we have other works queued up that need to use this route as part of their diversion route," said a spokesperson for the council.

But resident James Huynh pointed out: "Four weeks of complete road closure connecting Royal Wootton Bassett, Hook, Purton and Lydiard Millicent is insane."

"I travel from Hook to Bassett multiple times each day. This is going to be an absolute nightmare," added Shelley Decker.

Changes have been made to the planned closure of Coped Hall (Image: Dave Cox) Now, after increasing pressure from Councillor Steve Bucknell and locals, Wiltshire Council has amended its plans for the closure.

Coped Hall, which was originally due to close fully until December 13, is now expected to open earlier as additional help has been brought in.

"We had a good meeting with Wales and West yesterday and they have agreed to bring in some additional resources at the expense of other planned works from Tuesday to Sunday next week," said a spokesperson for Wiltshire Council, in an email to Councillor Bucknell.

"This team will work on the Royal Wootton Bassett side of the roundabout.

"If all goes to plan by midweek the following week or sooner, work on Hook side of the roundabout will be complete and the road will be opened.

"The three-way traffic system will be reduced to two-way on the Royal Wootton Bassett side to complete the laying of the new main and tying in with the works they completed in the summer."

Councillor Bucknell has publicly declared this as a "result" for the town, adding: "Hopefully Hook Road will be open much sooner than feared, and the the road works will be less intrusive.

"Let’s keep our fingers crossed."

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

• Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
• Advert-light access             
• Reader rewards             
• Full access to our app