A 30-MILE diversion route planned for roadworks in Royal Wootton Bassett next month has been described as crazy.

Part of High Street from Whitehill Lane to Wood Street is to close over five nights from February 8 for resurfacing. But although the affected stretch of road is less than half a mile, the diversion route chosen by Wiltshire Council highways officials is more than 30 and sends drivers as far away as Calne.

Town councillor Chris Wannell has asked the authority to consider a shorter route because he fears the diversion will affect evening trade in the town and increase costs for haulage firms.

“What they are telling me is that they have to match A roads with A roads, but that is a guidance note. It is not set in stone,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense. It’s ridiculous.”

He said he had suggested a route including New Road, Station Road, Noremarsh Road, Binknoll Lane and then back up towards the Churchil pub to join the A3102.

“It makes more sense,” said Mr Wannell, who lives in Noremarsh Road. “We’ve had lorries using that route since we have lived in this house. I’m sure we’re not going to worry too much about that.”

He accepted it wouldn’t please some residents but stressed it was not fair to burden hauliers with the extra cost of the longer diversion.

A shorter route would also help to cut the chances of people being put off coming into the town during the evenings.

“I just think it’s crazy. I’m afraid it is typical of councils that some read these guidance notes and take them to the absolute furthest limit and don’t use common sense.

"The people who make these decisions don’t run businesses. I think you have to judge each case on its merits.”

The official route takes in the A3012 to Lyneham then Calne, the A4 to Avebury, the A361to Wroughton and then the B4005. It will run from 7pm to midnight each night for five days.

Wiltshire Council did not respond to a request for comment on the closure, but is understood to have told Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council that the closure of an A road must have a diversion in place which is also on A roads.