DEVIZES Market Place is set to keep some parking, after a public backlash against a plan to stop cars from using it.

As part of a plan to devolve a range of services from Wiltshire Council to Devizes Town Council the Market Place parking was due to be replaced with a car-free space to hold town events and organised festivals.

The town council initially backed the plan as a way to encourage more people into the town centre.

However, following public meetings in which residents highlighted the impact of the loss of parking, the town council proposed creating a 50-50 split of event space and parking.

However, the parking will no longer be free, and charges paid will be kept by Wiltshire Council.

Devizes town council clerk Simon Fisher said: “We have listened to their views. This is the ideal solution and gives parking in the market square to allow one hour and two hour amended which will give a little bit of extra parking. The town council is 100 per cent behind this.”

Leader of the council Cllr Jane Scott said: “The whole point of this is a successful negotiation with the town.”

Cabinet member for housing Cllr Richard Clewer said: “The town council has requested that a portion of the car park will be retained with income going to Wiltshire Council. There will still be significant public open space with no parking in it so giving the council the ability to put events on as a result of successful negotiation.”

Cabinet agreed the change in the town.