A suspected illegal gathering has prompted Wiltshire Council to close the lower deck  of Emery Gate car park in Chippenham from 7pm on Friday 18 September until 6am on Saturday 19 September.

It says this temporary closure will only affect the lower deck of the car park, and any vehicles that remain in the car park will have to stay there overnight, until the gates are reopened on Saturday morning.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We apologise to all affected users of this car park and for the late notice, but we need to close Emery Gate for one night in order to help prevent a potential unauthorised event.

“We are working closely with Wiltshire Police to ensure that any event does not take place in Emery Gate, and would like to remind people that they must help to prevent the spread of coronavirus by following the rule of six, which applies to both indoor and outdoor settings, and gives police the power to disperse gatherings of over six people and fine any individuals involved.”

Notices will be displayed in the car park from today.