THE Cycling Opportunities Group Salisbury (COGS) say they are “bitterly disappointed” that Wiltshire Council have once again delayed work on improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure in Amesbury.

The work was put on hold after the controversial A303 Stonehenge tunnel project plans were scrapped by the government in a bid to save money – with funding associated with the project critical to the cycleway plans.

The new cycleway, which includes the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Countess Road, is part of the Wiltshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), and part of a strategic route linking Salisbury and National Cycle Network 45 to Stonehenge.

Active Travel England allocated funding for the design and construction of the pedestrian toucan crossing element of the scheme, with the additional funding being provided as part of the community benefits associated with the A303 Stonehenge tunnel scheme.

However, as the tunnel scheme has been cancelled, the council said it no longer has access to additional funding.

READ MORE: Billion-pound A303 Stonehenge tunnel plan suspended, Rachel Reeves announces

READ MORE: Cycleway work in Amesbury delayed after A303 tunnel plan scrapped

Hadrian Cook, the chair of COGS, has said that while funding might be uncertain in the future, initial improvements could still be made.

“There are examples of cycle infrastructure all across Wiltshire where delivery occurs in a piecemeal fashion – River Park in Salisbury provides one such example,” he said.

“Funding for future phases is uncertain but useful initial improvements can be made. Cyclists travelling from Amesbury towards Durrington or Larkhill emerge from the A303 underpass on the wrong side of the road and are obliged to cross Countess Road.

“This crossing also forms part of National Cycle Network Route 45 linking Salisbury to Stonehenge. There is no other safe route for walkers and cyclists to reach the World Heritage Site.”

Cllr Tamara Reay, Cabinet Member for Transport at Wiltshire Council, said the council cannot commit to the plans until funding becomes available again.

She said: “Following the government’s decision to cancel the A303 Stonehenge project, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone our work on the cycle scheme at Countess Road in Amesbury, including the installation of the pedestrian toucan crossing.

“We could install the toucan crossing now, but because the funding for the rest of the scheme is now uncertain – which is beyond our control – we cannot commit to it at this stage.

“We are reviewing all the local implications following the government’s announcement and if funding does become available for this cycle path, we have a well-developed scheme ready to take forward once again.”

“Following the cancellation of the A303 Stonehenge tunnel project, we are committed to working with our local partners in the area to find solutions to the congestion and rat running suffered by local communities.”

Mr Cook has urged Wiltshire Council to reconsider its decision.

“I know Amesbury Town Council are keen to encourage tourism, so it seems extraordinary that there would be any hesitation over progressing this step towards a safe route for walkers and cyclists coming via Amesbury to visit Stonehenge,” he said.

“Councillor Reay has expressed a commitment to enabling residents to live healthier lives and improving walking, cycling and wheeling routes in Wiltshire.

“I would urge Wiltshire Council to review walking and cycling access across this area, together with local stakeholders, as a matter of urgency.”

For more information about the plans, visit: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-new-active-travel-schemes