The long-awaited scheme to beautify the Brittox and Little Brittox in Devizes’ main shopping area may be within sight after a scheme was approved by the Devizes Area Board this week.

The scheme, commissioned by Devizes Community Area Partnership, involves new surfacing and street furniture and working with local landlords to upgrade the frontages of their buildings.

Town centre manager Mitch Roberts told Monday night’s meeting of the area board that consultation on the proposals started two years ago and had such positive feedback that £5,000 grant aid was obtained to retain the services of urban designer Colin Davis to work up some proposals.

Mr Roberts said: “These proposals will add to the historic context of the area.”

The new designs include more efficient street lighting and new benches that will be moved to cause less of an obstruction.

Although merchandise displayed on the street will be encouraged, A-boards will not and other means of advertising will be installed.

But town councillor Margaret Taylor said more could be achieved by encouraging shop owners to tidy up their buildings. Mr Roberts agreed, saying: “There is a lot of scaffolding going up in the area at the moment, which is encouraging.”

Although the plans received the unanimous support of Wiltshire councillors present, they will still have to be approved by Wiltshire Council in a time of economic austerity.