IMPROVEMENTS will be made to a busy Devizes junction.

Wiltshire County Council wants to swap a piece of land with Gaiger Brothers Ltd at Brewery Corner, with another piece adjoining, in order to relieve the congestion at the roundabout and junction of New Park Street, Northgate Street and Bath Road.

Coun Fleur de Rhe Philipe, the portfolio holder for the county council's environment advisory panel, said the land swap deal was the only way forward.

She asked members of the county council's Cabinet, which met on Friday, to approve the deal with Gaiger Brothers.

"We want to make improvements at a very busy junction in Devizes. It will not cost anything and will bring benefits to everyone," said Coun de Rhe Philipe.

Discussions have taken place between the county council and Gaiger Brothers since the 1960s in relation to the land exchange.

The council hopes the junction improvements will tie in with Kennet District Council's plan to redevelop the area between New Park Street and Northgate Street.

Richard Lander, director of environmental services, said: "The district council's proposed developments will generate additional traffic in an area which is subject to some peak period congestion, and justifies improvements at Brewery Corner."

The Cabinet approved the plan and the council intends to widen the New Park Street junction at the roundabout and create two lanes within 12 months.