DRIVERS will not have to take a 24-mile diversion around railway works in Royal Wootton Bassett after Network Rail agreed to build a temporary road.

Skew Bridges, on the A3102, is an artery route between Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett, and is the main route used by the fire service and ambulance crews travelling to Lyneham, as well as public transport.

But when Network Rail first announced plans to close the bridge for six months from September as part of the scheme to electrify the Great Western Line, residents were faced with the prospect of effectively being cut off from the rest of Wiltshire and having to take a 24-mile diversion.

Now, plans are underway to build a temporary road across the fields off Breach Lane after Royal Wotton Bassett Town Councillor, Chris Wannell, suggested the idea.

"It's not going to please everyone, it's going to cause difficulties for some people, especially for people living in Station Road and Nore Marsh Road (CORR)," he said.

"I live in Nore Marsh Road too so it is going to effect me directly as well.

"But we have to accept the disruption to put in the temporary road is better than being cut off completely and having to take such a long diversion.

"It was going to be a 24-mile diversion - and 27 miles for heavy goods vehicles.

"It was a particular worry because it would make it difficult for emergency services to get to us or, for that matter, to Broad Hinton and other villages.

"I suggested the idea but I didn't think they would agree to it because it will cost so much money. Everyone said I was mad for suggesting it."

The work will be funded by Network Rail, who will continue to work with the local community to minimise disruption while the work takes place.

A spokesman from Network Rail said: "We can confirm that we will be constructing a temporary road. We are progressing the design of the road at the moment and hope to start work on it in the summer. Work on Skew bridges is scheduled to start by the end of the year. We will keep the local community updated."

MP for North Wiltshire, James Gray, welcomed the news.

He said: "I have been very concerned about the consequences of the closure of the Skew Bridges at Royal Wootton Bassett which is proposed under Network Rail’s plans to electrify the line, and was delighted to see that they have now accepted the proposal from the former leader of the local town council, town councillor Chris Wannell, for a diversionary route.

"While the Skew Bridges are closed to be re-built, a temporary road will be built from a new roundabout south of the Marlborough Road Bridge and along the fields to the bottom end of Breach Lane.

"That seems to me to be an eminently sensible solution, and I congratulate Network Rail on agreeing to do it."

Network Rail has almost completed designs for the road, with work expected to start before the summer.

In a statement sent to the Royal Wootton Bassett Business Association, and posted on their Facebook page, Network Rail said: "Our contractor has approached Wiltshire Council for the hedge removal requirements for the junctions at either end.

"This road is being constructed through our Permitted Development rights, which means that RWB TC (Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council) will not receive plans to comment on.

"There will however be direct engagement with those nearby residents and RWB TC, including all the councillors.

"This road needs to be constructed by mid-September 2015 and therefore works will probably start near the end of May."