Date set for Mill Lane closure
A sign has appeared at the Old Town end of Mill Lane stating that the lane will close permanently from 26th April. The road will initially close to all traffic where it passes under the old railway line path, whilst a turning area for vehicles is constructed. It will then reopen for pedestrians and cyclists only, but remain closed permanently for all other traffic except emergency services vehicles.
The narrow road and tight corner under the bridge has already caused problems, with a fuel tanker getting stuck there in November last year.
Closure of Mill Lane to vehicular traffic has always been part of the planning permission for Wichelstowe, but has been delayed several times over the last decade as house building stalled. Even after the order for closing the lane was made in 2019 — requiring the road to be closed by 31st August 2019 — there was further delay.