Devizes town centre businesses 'open' during roadworks

Devizes traders say they have noticed a downturn in business since the £1 million Wessex Water scheme began on Monday, September 4, and closed parts of several town centre roads.

This includes the junction of Sidmouth Street, Sheep Street and Monday Market Street, before further phases of the project begin next year.

Devizes books, ran by Jo Batchelor, sits on the corner of the junction, opposite Sainsbury’s, and the current works are taking place outside her shop.

“We have a lot of loyal customers supporting us”, she said.

The roadworks are taking place in front of the Devizes Books building (Image: Newsquest)“What we’re not tending to get is the casual browsers who have been put off by the roadworks and I can see people thinking how do I get to the shop through the barriers?

“It’s just a case of letting people know that we are all open and Wessex Water have been kind enough to give me two signs, they’re being very accommodating so it’s a little more difficult but we’re business as usual.”

Businesses believe the reduction in footfall is due to people fearing increased traffic in the town centre.

But town clerk Simon Fisher emphasised that locals are yet to notice any disruption after over two weeks of works.

He said: “The roadworks are having virtually no effect or impact on traffic, they are essential works and we’re happy they’re happening.

The closure at the junction of Sidmouth Street, Sheep Street and Monday Markets Street, Devizes (Image: Newsquest)“Wessex Water have been very good with the local community and very amenable, they are doing everything they can to minimise disruption.

“Devizes is continuing to function as normal.”

This was echoed by local business owner Victoria Harvey, who runs Pins and Needles on Snuff Street.

She added: “People are less sure about accessibility, but the traffic is no worse than normal, we just need to let people know they can come and visit.

“The roadworks have been staggered so we hardly notice a difference.”

Maryport Street is now two-way to allow parking access (Image: Newsquest)Ms Harvey warned that independent businesses need the support of local shoppers to continue thriving.

“You use them or lose them”, she told this paper.

“We have a beautiful town centre and it’s all nice and accessible for people to do their shopping.

“It’s a very nice environment but if people don’t use it that will change, and it will become lifeless and soulless.”

The town council and traders in Devizes have also emphasised that both Central and Sheep Street Car Parks remain open, with Maryport Street now two-way to allow access to Central.