Residents have had their say about plans to revamp the indoor market in Devizes with a council budget of £1 million.

As previously reported, Devizes Town Council has launched a consultation on plans for the regeneration of The Shambles in the town centre.

The council has been working with PKA Architects to develop proposals for a renovation of the building.

One of the main ideas is to create a more “controlled and ambient” environment with underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, and new lighting being considered.

READ MORE: The Shambles: Traders have their say on plans for £1m revamp

The designs also propose a revamp of the entrance by creating a lobby area with automatic doors, and mezzanine space to provide room for a cafe which would be accessed by an open staircase.

Residents have had their say about plans and whether it's the best use of money.

Jo Tanner has lived in the town for 20 years and said she has seen the town's "ups and downs".

She said: "Yes, it’s money well spent as it may attract more visitors."

She added: "Now that most of the banks have closed (I think a great loss to community) this will affect the need for short term parking but at a cost to our amazing independent shops. Anything to help them is a good plan."

She said she would like to see more seating and trees within the plans which would make it "more attractive".

Nigel Brown, who only lives a short distance away from the market, said: "I love the quirkiness of the place. I think if they can give it a facelift without changing the character of it, it will be great."

The view was echoed by those commenting on Facebook.

Jane Perry commented: "Beautiful building don't make it too modern, spoil it otherwise."

SEE ALSO: The Shambles: Devizes Town Clerk says plans will increase footfall

Willow Birch commented: "We love the market as it is now, really friendly community hub."

Norbert Szot posted to say plans are a “waste of money” with things like “housing and roads” being “more important”.

A resident who lives on Pans Lane, in Devizes said: "The easy wandering to and from the open market in the centre of the town would be lost if The Shambles were enclosed by modern doors and a cafe.

"Visitors may not even enter at all, thinking it is just another cafe and more shops and not realising the wealth of individual artisans and entrepreneurs displaying their wares inside; and, surely, any cafe, as now, should be situated near toilets which are already at the rear of The Shambles."

Another resident who lives in Devizes, but did not want to be named, said plans look "light, open and welcoming".

They said: "It appears to retain some of the original and present-day character, and the uniqueness of The Shambles which is a large part of its appeal."

They added: "I liked the plan for the lower hall which is definitely in need of improvement. The flexibility to use it for individual stalls or as a larger space for events is a good idea. 

"The front entrance is important as it should retain its present character but also be inviting and interesting to attract people in from the market place.

"The current upper hall is the best part of today's Shambles with its mixture of well cared for, varied and interesting units. The present unit holders have worked hard to create this and seem deservedly proud of their stalls and supportive of one another."

"I wonder, looking at the plans, how the units in the upper hall will retain this individuality and identity. Will there be the flexibility to do this, as the plans appear to show a uniformity rather than the individuality and uniqueness which is part of the current charm," they added.

They said they hope plans will not result in inflated rental charges making it unaffordable to stall holders.

In conclusion, they said: "Also important is the availability and cost of parking. I know this is a significant source of revenue for the council but reduced parking fees and improved availability would also improve footfall."

In terms of increasing traders rent Simon Fisher, Town Clerk, said: "We can't just pass that money on because it would be ridiculous for us to expect the traders to pay for that. They wouldn't be able to pay for that. We wouldn't have gained anything, all we would do is then lose all the traders.

"It does mean it will make it attractive for a more diverse range of traders and easier for us to fill it with a good range of traders."

He said "in terms of bringing people into the town parking is not seen as an issue".

He also previously said: "The money is always available to spend on other things but we see this as the next project. We are doing other projects but this is a project that has been in the pipeline for a number of years. 

"We think it's now right to spend money on this building to support its long-term future."

"We are not planning to make it a modern building, what we are trying to do is restore some of the original history," he added.