A PETITION calling for a bypass for Salisbury to be built has been launched.

It has been set up by Salisbury City Councillor Dr Mark McClelland, who represents St Francis and Stratford ward.

Cllr McClelland wants to increase public backing for a bypass, and to put pressure on the Department for Transport and Highways England.

The petition follows last year’s survey of businesses by Salisbury Chamber of Commerce which sought to build support for a bypass among local companies by asking them about the impact of road infrastructure on their operations.

Cllr McClelland said: "The fierce debate we have seen in recent months over the Low Traffic Zone (LTZ) in Salisbury shows emphatically that local residents are very engaged on transport policy and want to see solutions to traffic and congestion in our city.

“Regardless of where people fell on that issue, I hope we can all agree that sitting in congestion on the A36 while travelling across the city can be an intensely frustrating experience. It is also a significant cost to businesses as well as adding to our air pollution problem.

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Cllr McClelland added: “This issue has bedevilled Salisbury for half a century – we have had many near misses and false dawns along the way. But we have a window of opportunity now when local residents must stand up and make their voices heard on this issue.

“Under the Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2) announced by the Chancellor in March, Highways England has been tasked with carrying out a major strategic study looking at road connectivity between the South Coast and M4. With the government looking favourably on major infrastructure projects, we have to strike while the iron is hot.

“There are a number of possible route options. This is not about endorsing a specific route or project at this stage but getting as many people as possible behind a campaign. Well over 500 people have signed the petition in just a few days and I am sure that this will grow much larger as the word spreads."

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In response to previous calls for a bypass, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Highways Bridget Wayman has said it is "not currently on the Government’s radar", adding "even if it was it could not be realised for many years".

Salisbury Chamber of Commerce President Andy Rhind-Tutt, a long-time supporter of a bypass for Salisbury, has thrown his backing behind the petition.

He said: “The people and businesses of Salisbury have waited a long time for this opportunity. To put a bypass back on the table with Highways England would be a huge step forward and would start the much-needed journey of regeneration of our wonderful City. The Chamber are delighted to be working with and supporting this initiative and urge everyone to get behind it.”

The petition can be found online at change.org/SalisburyBypass.

As of Monday, November 30, it had more than 550 signatures.