Chippenham residents have said that the controversial Sadlers Mead car park is being avoided by drivers.

Stephen Ellis went to the car park on Saturday, at 9.45am, and took photos of the near empty multi-storey.

Only five cars could be spotted, and they were all parked on the ground level.

“There was a lot of traffic in Chippenham on Saturday, it was very busy, and you just have to wonder where it actually goes,” Stephen said.

“I just went spontaneously, I was curious to see how much it was being used. I don’t pass it often, but my wife does, and I just took a walk round each floor.

“It was completely empty.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

The car park, opened in January, is near to the Olympiad Leisure Centre and Wiltshire College - and has more than 200 spaces.

Like many Chippenham locals, Stephen had been sceptical of the plans from before building work had begun.

He said: “It really was irresponsible to spend this much money on something that really just wasn’t needed.

“The station car park can be quiet, and that’s not purely because of Covid, and this car park seems to be the same.

“The council now need to work out how they are going to get Sadlers Mead to pay for itself, and persuade people to use it more.”

Stephen, a former teacher in Chippenham, added that there were “countless” better projects the £7 million could be spent on.

“If you had split that money between 14 schools in Chippenham, then that would have been transformational,” he said.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, said further efforts would be made once restrictions ease.

He said: “With the easing of Covid measures it is vital that facilities are provided to ensure we support Wiltshire communities. Ease of access to parking will be essential to support the return of activities. Sadlers Mead Car Park is adjacent to both the rail station and the leisure centre and has easy access to many businesses.

"The Sadlers Mead facility has electric vehicle charging points installed with the infrastructure for more as the demand grows for electric vehicles.

“This facility will be vital in the on-going support of the Chippenham businesses and town centre economy, and for supporting rail travel.

“The country is still yet to move to the final phase of the Government’s Road Map and easing of lockdown measures. The guidance is still that people should be working at home wherever possible for the time being, therefore the council would not expect worker parking to have returned to previous levels at this time. However, facilities must be ready to support the return when required. When the date of the final phase of the Government’s Road Map is confirmed we will promote the new car park to increase awareness and usage.”

Previously, neighbours have raised concerns over blood and urine found at the site. Mike Blanchard, who lives near the car park added that anti-social behaviour is a real issue at the car park.