REFERENCE the article about Porton Down (Journal, March 5), the “world-class science hub” sounds brilliant, bringing further employment into the area. However, the area around Porton Down is predominantly countryside and villages, specifically Porton Village, part of Idmiston Parish – through which a significant number of staff already drive to get to work. If this number is increased by 650 new staff then the access roads need serious consideration.

I am told by John Glen MP that “significant consultation has already taken place with the local community on the science park proposals and the existing highway network is considered sufficient to accommodate this growth without the need for major new infrastructure works”. I’m not sure who in the “local community” John Glen refers to but many in our parish have serious concerns about significantly increased traffic in our narrow roads.

The centre of Porton Village is already dangerously clogged with traffic going to and from Porton Down, not just with cars but enormous delivery and servicing vehicles, and this will only increase. The narrow lane that accesses the site from Idmiston Village is also unsuitable for increased traffic. There is little pavement for pedestrians in these areas.

Perhaps those who take the decisions of development of existing sites should take more interest in the surroundings of the sites and how it will affect the people who live there.

We have a main railway line going through our parish and perhaps it is worth considering reopening a “halt” for Porton Down staff since staff are currently bussed in from Salisbury station and new staff might well use the train if given the option. Or perhaps a new direct road is required. Both suggestions are put forward in our Neighbourhood Plan.

Idmiston Parish Council is at present finalising its Neighbourhood Plan and it’s time the government looked at the needs and desires of the local people – that’s what these plans are all about – before making life-changing decisions.

Carole Southern

Porton