AFTER pedestrians shopping in the High Street have had a number of near misses with cars driving up the road during daytime shopping, Chippenham Town Council has agreed to take on the responsibility of opening and closing the traffic barriers every day.

A number of businesses first raised their concerns with the council after the barriers were left open for most of the day on Boxing Day last year.

Currently Wiltshire Council close the barriers at both ends of the busy shopping street to traffic at 9.30am and reopen them at 7.30pm, creating a pedestrian-friendly area.

However, after the barriers have reportedly been opened and closed at the wrong time, the town council is to take on the responsibility to help shops and shoppers to return consistency to the town’s shoppers and businesses

“In the last couple of months, there have been a couple of times where the barriers haven’t been closed in the morning and cars have been driving up here,” Emily McGrory, who works in the town said.

“Everyone assumes the gates will be shut during commercial hours but sometimes they aren’t.”

Emily Beer, who also works in the town, added: “I saw a car driving way too fast up the High Street a few weeks ago when it shouldn’t have been and it was so dangerous for the pedestrians.

“If the town council took it on, it would be easier and at least they can monitor things.”

A spokesman from Wiltshire Council said: “The need for a better solution to the current gate management in Chippenham High Street was identified in the recent parking review and subsequent changes to charges to include a funded solution.

“We are pleased to say we have reached an agreement with Chippenham Town Council for them to take on this responsibility for managing the High Street traffic gates.

“We will finalise this agreement very soon and we believe the outcome will benefit all parties and ensure the gates are managed much more efficiently.”