There is still no date in sight for the opening of a new road linking two sides of Chippenham.

The link road between the A350 to the north of the town and the B4069 to the east has been largely completed for several weeks, and a sign has recently been put up at the A350 end.

It has been built by developers behind the Birds Marsh View housing scheme, which will eventually see up to 750 new homes constructed.

It was originally hoped that the road, which will relieve pressure on the town centre and Hill Corner Road, could be open by Easter.

The date then slipped to June, and then to July or August, with ‘snagging’ work still to be done to get the road into a state where Wiltshire Council is happy to adopt it.

Some of the road is open to traffic, allowing access from the B4069 to parts of the estate.

But fencing shuts the road off at the north end and at a work site where homes are still being built.

Council transport cabinet member Councillor Dr Mark McClelland said the road was still owned by the developer.

“The road is the subject of a road adoption agreement, but the developer must fulfil all the requirements before it can be adopted by the council and thereafter become maintainable by highways at public expense.

“Some further work needs to be carried out by the developer before the road can be opened to the public. Once these works have been completed there will be a maintenance and inspected period before the road is formally adopted by Wiltshire Council.

“The timeframe to complete all remaining works is within the remit of the private developer and we are working closely with them to resolve these matters as expediently as possible.”

Three firms are involved in the development: Persimmon, Barratt and David Wilson.

Among those pressing for the opening to be expedited is town MP Michelle Donelan.

The Gazette and Herald has asked Persimmon for an update.

Meanwhile, the town council’s planning, environment and transport committee will next Thursday (August 4) discuss whether to press the developers to provide more facilities at Birds Marsh View.

At the moment, there are plans for a shop, play area and school – but not for a community centre or GP surgery.