HGVs squeeze through historic Malmesbury town centre despite complaints

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 06:01 · Archive

Large HGVs continue to travel through Malmesbury town centre, causing safety concerns and damaging historic buildings.

Residents of Malmesbury are calling for urgent action to stop large HGVs from travelling through the historic town centre, amid concerns for pedestrians and centuries-old buildings. Campaigner Jeffrey Manton, a retired company director who has lived in the town for eight years, says enormous lorries continue to pass through despite years of complaints.

Mr Manton has witnessed mothers with pushchairs being passed by HGVs with only inches to spare. He also pointed to damage caused in the town, including an incident in 2021 in which an HGV struck his Grade II listed property dating back to the 1500s, causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Mr Manton believes satellite navigation systems are directing drivers off the M4 and through Malmesbury rather than around the town on the bypass. Despite signs intended to steer lorries away from unsuitable routes, there appears to be no general weight restriction preventing HGVs from travelling through Malmesbury town centre.

Mr Manton has been campaigning on the issue since 2021 and accused Wiltshire Council of 'a lot of handwringing' but not enough action. 'Five years later I'm bemused by the inactivity,' he said. 'We're asking for more than just talk. Someone needs to get on with this.'

Mr Manton wants authorities to examine measures used in nearby Tetbury, where he says signage redirects unsuitable vehicles well before they reach the town centre. He said: 'These vehicles are vast, enormous. These houses are being missed by inches.'

HGVs squeeze through historic Malmesbury town centre despite complaints — Image: Swindon Advertiser

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How it is being reported

‘Pandemonium’ as huge HGVs thunder through historic townResidents are calling for urgent action to stop huge HGVs squeezing through a historic Wiltshire town.Swindon Advertiser · 17 Oct, 05:00
‘Pandemonium’ as huge HGVs thunder through historic townResidents are calling for urgent action to stop huge HGVs squeezing through a historic Wiltshire town.Gazette & Herald · 17 Oct, 05:00
‘Pandemonium’ as huge HGVs thunder through historic townResidents are calling for urgent action to stop huge HGVs squeezing through a historic Wiltshire town.Wiltshire Times · 17 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Malmesbury · Jeffrey Manton · Wiltshire Council · Tetbury · M4

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