Station road car park in Devizes closed for three months

It comes after a series of incidents, including one that left a man with potentially life changing injuries. 

Station Road car park has been given a Closure Order which comes into effect from today (11/08) meaning that it will be closed between 6pm and 6am every day for three months.

Antisocial behaviour cases have rocketed over recent weeks, with residents complaining that young people have been using the area as a ‘racing ground’ at night.

Residents say they can hear people using the area for racing their cars around the car park at night.

In June, Wiltshire police were called the scene 28 times because of "anti-social motorists" according to the town council. 

READ MORE: Wiltshire Police visit Station Road, Devizes, 28 times in a month

The council says it is going to work with Wiltshire Police to monitor both car park usage and anti-social behaviour in the area and will review the Closure Order when the three months is up.

Season ticket holders, buses, lorries and coaches will still be able to use the car park during the closure order but all other vehicles will be prohibited.

The car park has been temporarily closed at all times since Wednesday 27 July, when an incident resulted in a man being taken to hospital, and left in a critical state.

READ MORE: Driver flees scene after leaving crash victim in critical condition

Maggie, who lives next to the car park said she could hear screams ‘louder than the TV’ as the incident took place, and called the police for help.

The opposite side of Station Road car park during daylight.

READ MORE: 'The screams were louder than the TV' - Woman describes horror Devizes crash

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We’ve been working closely with our partners at Wiltshire Police on this, and have taken the decision to close Station Road car park in Devizes between 6pm and 6am to help prevent anti-social behaviour.

“This will be enforceable by the police, who will be regularly patrolling the area to ensure that people are abiding by the Closure Order.

“We’ll keep this closure under review, but in the meantime, people can still park in any of the other council-owned car parks in the town.”

Inspector Allen Lumley of Wiltshire Police said: “Our officers will be enforcing this closure and working in partnership with Wiltshire Council in support of this measure, which has been put in place in response to reported anti-social behaviour in the Station Road car park area.

“We would urge residents to report antisocial behaviour to us by calling 101 or online. In an emergency always call 999.”

For a list of car parks in Devizes and their opening hours, people can go to: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parking-devizes