As the region is plunged into another lockdown, steps have been taken across Devizes to adapt to new rules.

Coffee shops, pubs and restaurants across the town will be offering takeaways and volunteers are preparing to come together to support vulnerable people.

Simon Fisher, of Devizes Town Council, explained the Love Devizes Group, stood down last month, will soon be ready to support the masses once more.

He said: “It felt like there had been a light at the end of the tunnel with the new vaccine, and then yesterday it was 'here we go again'.

“There will be pressure to get it going as soon as possible, we temporarily closed it down on December 22 as at that point there was little take-up, I think because lots of people had got themselves into support networks.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The Love Devizes GroupThe Love Devizes Group

“This lockdown will be like the last one, I think, with more people told not to go out so there might be a bit more of a demand on the service. We’ll be there for people who need it.”

With retailers lamenting the closure of shops once more, the Devizes Indies Group, which protects the interests of businesses across the town, will be holding a meeting this week on what steps can be taken.

This week, markets in the town will still go ahead in the Market Place (featuring regular stallholders who will be selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, fish, dairy produce, cakes and bread) as well as a café and hot food vendors, watch and hoover repair services.

In the Shambles, Soup Chick and Biddle's Café will be open every day for takeaways, as will the Pet Shop and Savannah's Sweetshop.

On Thursdays the Shambles will also welcome Taylors Bakery and our regular stalls selling cakes, biscuits and homemade masks.

Meanwhile, green spaces which have been vital for everyone for maintaining health and wellbeing will be open.

The Town Council has confirmed that during the next six weeks Hillworth Park and all play areas across town will remain open.

The new rules state that you can exercise in a public outdoor place:

* By yourself.

* With the people you live with

* With your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one).

* In a childcare bubble where providing childcare.

* When on your own, with 1 person from another household.

However, tennis courts will be shut and the outdoor gym equipment will be taken out of service.

The Cafe in Hillworth Park remains open for takeaways, and people have been encouraged to pop over and grab a coffee.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Hillworth ParkHillworth Park

Mr Fisher added: “We all know Devizes has a strong sense of community, and when push comes to shove everyone does rally together and various groups will work together.

"I think that’s the different between Devizes and some other towns, we feel our sense of community is what makes a difference here.”

Town Mayor, Chris Gay, said: "To live in Devizes is to be part of a very supportive community, a community  consistently working together for the benefit of all. 

"This was eminently clear at the start of the first national Lockdown last March. The Covid Support Centre was set up in Devizes Town Hall, successfully helping and supporting Devizes people needing assistance. 

Through the second lockdown, and now, sadly, into the third National Lockdown of this dreadful pandemic, our strong local community continues its support of all the people of Devizes, especially now, with the Covid group, “Love Devizes”, and with the vaccinations being delivered from our Corn Exchange. "

Danny Kruger, MP for Devizes, added: "I also know what an awful impact the lockdown will have on local businesses who had a terrible 2020.

"I look forward to hearing more from the Government about the support package that is needed to help businesses and employees through the rest of the winter."