RADICAL plans to stop parking in Devizes Market Place and to change traffic flow direction in Monday Market Street have been put forward by the Trust for Devizes.

The trust's traffic advisor Tony Sedgwick believes more shoppers will be encouraged to go to the town centre if major changes take place to make it easier and safer for walkers and cyclists.

He said: "Devizes is not a friendly place for pedestrians. Traffic, both moving and stationary, dominates Sidmouth Street, Maryport Street, High Street and the Market Place."

He is also calling for the Brittox to be given a facelift. He said: "Not only does it look tired but the system of blocking off one end with wheelie-bins, stacks of cardboard and plastic bags for most of a day each week is, to say the least, an uninviting sight.

"Facilities for outdoor dining are limited and seats where people can sit and enjoy the town are few and far between. In the the town centre green space is virtually non-existent."

He described the Market Place as the jewel in the town's crown but said it was not being used to its best advantage.

"We need to bite the bullet and make this a place for people to enjoy," he said. "The existing road would stay as a service road for the shops and the parking bays adjacent to the fountain would be disabled only.

"At the moment the Market Place is dominated by cars when it could be a real focus for visitors and shoppers, with ample tables and chairs for outdoor eating and drinking, entertainers and small stalls."

He believes the shopping experience would be improved by closing Maryport Street. As part of this traffic flow in Monday Market Street would be reversed to allow vehicles from car parks to exit onto the Castle Hotel roundabout.

He said that in Long Eaton in Derbyshire, which he regularly visits, a similar scheme works well. He said: "There is absolutely no conflict between pedestrian and vehicle. It is very clear from the street design that pedestrians have priority."

Mr Sedgwick does not believe losing the parking space in the Market Place would put customers off. He said: "The car parks in Devizes are not full even on market day."

The Trust for Devizes has set up a discussion forum on the subject on its revamped website at trustfordevizes.info