RESIDENTS living in Rowden have been assured by Network Rail that the planned improvement works being carried out overnight on the railway bridge over the next few weeks will not cause too much disruption.

Network Rail will be repairing the brickwork and damaged stone, removing vegetation and clearing the drainage from the Bath Road bridge, between 8pm and 6.30am from September 18 until November 13 (except on September 25) in an attempt to keep the bridge safe for future use.

The rail company has said it will work overnight to reduce the level of disturbance to neighbours.

Bath Road will also be shut during these hours with a diversion along the A350 in place but the roads will reopen at weekends.

Ross Henning, Wiltshire Councillor for Chippenham Lowden and Rowden, said: “Brunel Court is the only residence right next to it and there are a few houses nearby but it is not smack bang in the middle of a residential area.

“If the work needs to be done, it needs to be done and it makes sense to do it overnight from Monday to Friday.

“If you look back to the work done on the western arches in Chippenham, where they had to do a similar thing, yes it was inconvenient but at least they had the good sense to do it overnight.”

National Rail confirmed it will be holding a meeting to address any concerns.

A spokesman from National Rail said: “Letters have been distributed to those living near the Bath Road bridge to inform them of the details of the work before it gets underway.

“We also have further engagement with the local community planned for the coming weeks, details of which will be confirmed soon and publicised in advance.

“Residents with any questions or concerns about this work can contact our 24/7 helpline on 03457 11 41 41.”