In early March there are planned road closures of Mays Lane, High Street and the lower part of Station Road. This will allow for road resurfacing over three days, Monday-Wednesday, 4th-6th March, during the hours of 8.00am-6.00pm. These roads are currently in a very poor condition and are to be completely resurfaced, rather just patched up. There is to be no on road parking during the working hours, so residents should park their cars in the Strouds Hill car park. The Stagecoach bus services 80 and 81 will not be using these roads at all over the road closure period. The bus company has looked to put in a temporary stop on New Road, but there is no “safe place”. Bus users will therefore have to use the Meadow Stores bus stop or the Esso Garage stop at the end of New Road, or the bus stops on the main A346. Signage will be placed on all stops that are out of service, Station Road and the Landmark stop.
Bus fares are due to rise. Thamesdown Swindon Bus Company increased their fares from 10th February. Most fares will rise 10p-20p and the current Day Rider Plus will be £5.00. Stagecoach West prices will increase from 17th February, but there are no increases on the Stagecoach App on mobile phones used to buy tickets. At present the fares on the Salisbury Reds X5 are due to rise in March 2019.
Wiltshire Council are going through a programme of resurfacing a lot of the major roads across Wiltshire, with roads closed from 09.30-15.30. This will affect the long distance routes across Wiltshire, including the services 55, 51 and 53. Oxfordshire are also doing the same thing which will affect the S6, Swindon-Oxford service.
A passenger survey of GWR railways has come out in the last month, which shows a dissatisfaction rating of 50-60%.
The current bus service 80, that is funded by Wiltshire Council is up for tender in March 2019 and we will then have to see if the timetable changes.
After many years of compiling this report, I would be grateful if someone was able to volunteer to take over this role. Please contact the Parish Clerk, Clair Wilkinson on 01793 740744 or email clerk@chiseldon-pc.gov.uk
Cllr David Hill Transport Representative – Chiseldon Parish Council