The major road works which Wiltshire Council proposes to carry out on the A338 in Downton have been reconsidered and reprogrammed. The previous proposals required a temporary road closure, which raised local concerns about inappropriate use of alternative routes, particularly in the New Forest. Following meetings with local representatives of communities in Wiltshire and Hampshire the Council amended the scheme.

The proposed works within the village of Downton, on the A338 between Batten Road and The Borough, will be undertaken as originally proposed, making use of temporary traffic signals during the day.

The work on the section of the A338 from The Borough southwards to the county boundary will be carried out at night between 7.00pm and 6.00am during late February and early March. Carrying out the work at night will avoid the risk of traffic diverting onto the minor roads in the forest.

The highway work south of Downton will concentrate on those areas of most concern because of structural failure of the carriageway, and will include resurfacing of the southbound half of the road. These works will be adequate to bring this section of the road into good condition for many years.

It is likely that the northbound section of the road will need resurfacing in the future, possibly within the next five years, and this will be the subject of further consultation at that time.

The current works will start on Monday 25th January 2010 and are expected to last 9 weeks. Subject to the agreement of Hampshire County Council it is proposed to erect additional ‘Wild animal’ warning signs on routes within the forest.

Downton Bowling Club

It has come to the attention of the committee at Downton Bowling Club that rumours have been circulating in the area that the club is to close down. There is no truth whatsoever in these rumours. It is true that the club may move its green and clubhouse in the next few years but if it does so the new site will be in Downton and not too far from the existing site in Wick Lane. In addition the new facilities will not be inferior to those that the Club enjoys at present.

The club has a very busy season ahead. The members will be participating in about 120 League Games and they will, in addition, be entertaining 9 Touring Teams. The season opens on 17th April and new members will be most welcome. One attraction for any newcomer will be a special £10 first year’s membership fee (£5 for Juniors).

John Naish, President Downton Bowling Club.

In Downton Newsletter

The “In Downton” Newsletter is delivered free to every house in Downton, and a separate edition will be delivered free to houses in Redlynch, Morgan’s Vale, Lover and Woodfalls. The deadline for contributions for the next edition is this Friday. The newsletter is due to be delivered during the weekend of 21st November.

Let us know your organisation’s coming events and local news. Adverts from local businesses are also welcome. Articles, event details and contributions including photographs are welcome by email to newsletter@paulleo.org.uk.

South Wiltshire Core Strategy – Our Place in the Future Consultation

For full details of this news item please go to the Downton Planning page.

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