CONSTRUCTION of a temporary road in Royal Wotton Bassett to prevent drivers taking a lengthy diversion around railway works has begun.

Work on the road across the fields off Breach Lane started this week ahead of planned works to electrify the Great Western Line at Skew Bridges from September.

The railway bridge is on the A3102 and an artery route between Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Lyneham and surrounding villages, as well as the main route used by emergency services and public transport.

But when Network Rail first announced plans to close the bridge for six months residents were faced with being stranded from the rest of Wiltshire and having to take a 24-mile diversion around the work.

In March, Network Rail confirmed the temporary road - the brainchild of Bassett town councillor Chris Wannell - would be built ahead of construction and funded by the company, which will continue to work with the local community to minimise disruption while the work takes place.

Last month a spokesman from Network Rail said: “I’ve had it confirmed that work to build the temporary road will commence in July.

“We don’t anticipate their being a problem in terms of not completing the road before the work starts, we have sufficient float in the timetable to prepare for any delays or eventualities and we will do our utmost to prevent any impact on residents.”

Mr Wannell said: “I’m pleased because it’s going to be a very difficult time.

"The job’s going to be done, whatever people think of it. It’s going to happen whether we like it or not. We’re trying to make the best of it for our town.”