WILTSHIRE Council has submitted a £6 million bid to the Department for Transport to help address traffic congestion in Trowbridge.

The submission aims to improve conditions at and around the Longfield roundabout in Trowbridge and improve the infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and buses.

If approved, the money will bring a range of improvements to the traffic flow and public transport in the area, including:

• Improving the pedestrian and cycle network, creating linked-up routes between the town centre and surrounding retail, employment and residential areas.

• Improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by segregating them from vehicles and providing safe crossing points.

• Reduce delays for bus services.

• Reduce congestion to help cope with increased demand from new developments.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We have submitted a strong bid for funding from the government’s ‘pinch point’ fund to improve Trowbridge’s Longfield roundabout for the benefit of all road users in the town.

“If we’re successful, it will make a positive difference to walkers, cyclists, public transport and drivers in Trowbridge, improving links between the town centre and housing developments, and helping to support economic growth.”

The Department for Transport’s £150m national pinch point fund invites bids from local authorities for high-impact schemes to help address congestion pinch points.

It is hoped that an announcement on the allocation of funding will be made later this year.