The problem of traffic circulation in the centre of Calne, well known to all those who live there or are passing through, usually centres around the Curzon Street area. However, this may well get worse, and affect a wider area, if more housing development is permitted before a strategic transport survey is carried out. Pegasus Planning held two consultation afternoons in early July with regard to their proposal to build 300 houses at Abberd Lane. There are also rumours about a possible development in the town centre (apart from the Woolworth/Westlea one) All this on top of the forthcoming, already granted, Station Road site.
Sustrans has recently received a substantial grant. This may be the moment to start talking serious cycling and try to attract funds for cycle way improvements in the town and to the villages.
Finding funding for any major improvements or changes to transport issues is a real challenge at the moment. It is clear that the Commission for Rural Communities and Natural England (the successors to the Countryside Agency) can offer no prospects for schemes to help rural areas and no one knows if the Regional Development Agency will support sustainable local transport schemes in the future.
A new approach to transport in Calne and the Community Area needs to be brought to the top of any local agenda when discussing longterm plans for the town.
