News

An Update from Wiltshire Council on Norney Bridge works 25/9/26

• Additional pumping has proved successful in managing the water levels around the site.
• The team has now excavated to finished levels; concrete blinded the base and begun putting the gabion baskets in place today.
• The engineers will endeavour to try and make up the time lost earlier this week over the following days.

Norney Bridge Update from Councillor Tamara Reay - posted on social media 22/9/26

I visited the site today and met with the project manager to review progress. Unfortunately, the efforts to lower water levels have not achieved the results that were anticipated. To strengthen the operation, larger pumps are being procured and will be installed tomorrow.

I have requested regular updates and the project manager has agreed to provide a further progress report on Friday [25/9/26 see latest update] once the effectiveness of the new pumping arrangements has been reviewed. 

Residents are reminded that all road closures remain in force and are in place to protect public safety. In particular, residents are reminded that the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) in Long Street was put in place to allow a number of businesses in the area, which rely on large vehicle movements, to operate safely. These vehicles are unable to pass beneath the railway bridges at Erlestoke and Coulston and therefore require an alternative route.

**The TTRO [on Long Street] means that the road is formally closed. Any person choosing to use the route does so entirely at their own risk.**

Thank you for your continued cooperation, patience and understanding while this challenging phase of the project is addressed.

I will share a further update as soon as I receive more information on Friday [25/9/26]. In the meantime please email me with any questions or comments tamara.reay@wiltshire.gov.uk

NB: There is a news update for 25/9/26.

Marston Parish Council

Important information concerning the upcoming work - Norney Bridge, Marston Lane and Long Street

This issue of the collapsing support structure on the run up to the bridge was formally reported by us to Wilshire Council back in January.

Wiltshire Council intend to start work on the road and bridge on 14^th September and complete it by 7^th October (3 weeks). You may have noticed they have already commenced with some of the enabling works within the adjoining field.

During the works the Road will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians.

Marston Parish Council have sent the contact details of the businesses affected by this closure to Wiltshire Council. It was confirmed that discussions between the relevant parties are already happening.

It is intended to allow large commercial and agricultural vehicles to access the village through the Cheverill Wood end of Long Street and Wiltshire Council have instructed Conservation Contractors to clear some of the encroaching vegetation. We believe that they will install some sort of traffic management arrangement to assist with this which Howards and Sons will manage.

As a result of this the byway will also be shut for the same 3 week period to all traffic and pedestrians.

• A diversion route has been arranged and signposted by Wiltshire Council. (a typical trip to Devizes could be 6 miles further than normal)
• Waste collections will not be affected and will continue on the usual days.
• Buses for schools could be affected. We suggest parents speak to the schools to enquire about alternative arrangements (pick up/drop off in Worton possibly and a walk?)
• No public bus service is expected to run in and out of the village. No alternative service has been suggested. (a walk to Worton may be the only solution)
• Emergency 999 services have automatically been informed as part of the process of this road closure.
• Deliveries to properties (post, food and goods) will have to use the diversions that are put in place.

Whilst none of this is ideal the work is very important and long overdue.

Any issues in connection with what is being proposed and what is being done should be addressed directly to Wiltshire Council highways northernhighways@wiltshire.gov.uk

Thank you for your understanding