A BUSINESS leader has accused Devizes Town Council of betrayal over a decision that will mean an end to most parking in the Market Place.

Town clerk Simon Fisher has dismissed the claim by Iain Wallis from the Federation of Small Businesses and said the town council had done its very best to keep free parking for all during the discussions with Wiltshire Council, which ended with an agreement the town would be responsible for the Market Place.

He said: “Throughout the negotiations with Wiltshire Council, we constantly pressed for the Market Place to be transferred with its current use, allowing the Devizes community to decide how it was to be used in future.

“However, following their parking review last year it was clear that this was never going to be an allowable option.

“The parking review set out two clear choices for the Market Place: it either became a pay and display car park with a premium charge, allowing parking for up to two hours or all parking was to be removed.”

Mr Wallis, who runs businesses in Devizes and was a member of a parking working party, said: “I believe that many in Devizes will feel a sense of betrayal over how this situation has been handled.

“Over the last 18 months I, and other independent business owners, have fought hard alongside the town council to keep the current flexibility the Market Place has, so to find out that this covenant has been signed is a huge let down.”

“Last year around 40 Devizes businesses attended a town council meeting and made it very clear that they did not support parking being removed from the Market Place. They have very legitimate concerns it will harm their ability to do business in the town.”

A taxi rank and disabled parking will still be allowed with the rest used for markets, community events and possibly for seating for cafes. The town council will also take over The Shambles.

Mr Fisher and town councillors from across the parties said this week that they see the asset transfers as a great opportunity for the town.

Mr Fisher said: "Wiltshire Council has agreed that with the transfer of the Market Places to local control, it can be used in this way, which will provide a little more flexibility providing some possibilities to reallocate parking to other areas, reducing the impact this change will have.

"Devizes Town Council firmly believes that working with local businesses and groups the Market Place could become a vibrant centre to our town, which is something we could all benefit from."

On the transfer of other assets he said: "In considering what services should be taken on, Devizes Town Council was very clear that any services must support the development of the Town as a great place to work, live and visit.

"This is an important step for both the Town Council and the people of Devizes, bringing control of services and activities closer to where they are delivered and to the community which pays for them. We expect to face some challenges, but are determined to use this as an opportunity to be able to respond better to local needs and priorities and to maintain both quality and value for money.

"Whilst many of the services the Council will be taking on, we take for granted, such as grounds maintenance, street cleaning and grass cutting, when they are not done well they have a real impact on how we feel about the town. Over the last few years, the Town Council has topped up many services Wiltshire Council provide in Devizes, however future planned reductions in services has made us conclude that it time for the town to run them in their entirety.

"As part of the services devolution package, Devizes Town Council will become responsible for Markets, the Shambles and the Market Place, providing real opportunities to maximize their use and expand the cultural identity to the town.

We are pleased to say the delivery of these new services should be undertaken within our existing budget and we will continue to review our service level so that they meet our objective to make Devizes a great place to work, live and visit."