I'm posting the following for Dennis, who's not on line

Trowbridge and Chippenham are just about the only Strategically Significant Cities and Towns (SSCTs) in the whole south west not to have a list of specific public transport improvements in the Regional Spatial Startegy, these needed to manage  the 30% growth during 2006-2026 that the county has asked for in these towns and surrounding areas.  Presumably the concept of public transport isn't a priority to our county council.

Meanwhile Wiltshire excelled in business of getting regional funds for road building, difficult in the context of a region supposed to be "sustainable" and "lowering carbon emissions".

The highly unpopular Westbury Eastern Bypass was initially devoid of regional funds because it scored so low on the criteria for testing whether it was a regional transport priority.

When WCC realised this fate, they organised a rebellion, together with Devon and Dorset who had also got bypasses that failed to be funded. The offended shires said they would not play regional ball unless money was produced immediately for their roads. The Regional Assembly members fought hard - the roads do not promote the regional agenda and transport money is scarce. But under great pressure, with George Batten of Wiltshire anxiously watching the drama and praying with all his might for success, the Members had to give in at a critical meeting in Taunton. Otherwise regional unity would been broken to the disgrace of all.

A caveat to do with "environmental impact" was slapped on Westbury, but even though 13 species of bat, dormice, barn owls, 8 rare species of bird, water voles, great crested newts and numerous rare invertebrates are affected by the road scheme, Wiltshire are  putting the screws on Natural England to release their objection.  Meanwhile the railway languishes with reduced services, decrepit trains  and tatty stations. Is this the sustainable future that we are looking forward to?

Dennis Domouse
Wellhead Valley
Westbury