Marlborough bypass – a timely article – letter from Alan Oliver

Sirs

Your article about a Marlborough Bypass was timely. Unfortunately, the opportunity was lost when the railways were closed in the sixties when the environmental lobby did not exist.

Any bypass would have to be to the west of the town to avoid Savernake as you would never get permission to cut through the ancient forest. I would propose it starts from the Burbage by-pass travelling west avoiding West Wood and connecting with the A4 Bath road near Overton west of the Marlborough, the A 346 near Ogborne St George, and the A4  near Froxfield. The A 349 would be made a dual carriageway to the M4.

But where would this leave the Collingbourne’s? The road would have to be upgraded, dualled and continue to Andover.

I cannot see it happening!

Alan Oliver