Devizes town centre roadworks begin as key roads close

The first phase of 20 months’ worth of roadworks in Devizes started on Monday, September 4, and saw the junction of Sidmouth Street, Sheep Street and Monday Market Street close to all traffic.

This is the first stage of a project that will see closures throughout the town until April 2025.

Businesses in the area say they are not yet sure how big an impact the scheme will have on them despite disruption being minimal so far.

One employee at Walter Rose and Sons butchers, located just within the Sidmouth Street closure, said the works will likely impact their customers.

Sidmouth Street, Devizes (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “It will have an impact eventually because some older people can’t walk very well, and they like to park outside the shop… it will be a pain.”

Another employee added: “We haven’t really noticed anything yet because it’s only just started but we will have to wait and see what happens later in the week… it could be chaos.”

Across the street at boutique store Libelula, staff said footfall has not decreased and there has been no disruption but added that they are yet to see the impact on deliveries.

Meanwhile, in order to maintain access to Central Car Park, Maryport Street has been temporarily turned into a two-way route, causing confusion and some anger for pedestrians using the narrow street.

On both Monday and Tuesday, unsuspecting walkers could be seen shouting at drivers using the road coming from the direction of New Park Street.

Maryport Street, Devizes (Image: Newsquest)

Taking to Facebook, Councillor Iain Wallis called for calm from all sides as residents adjust to the changes.

He said: “The only traffic going down here is for access so it should be fairly light but please be careful and considerate of other drivers and pedestrians.

“If you are a pedestrian, please look both ways before crossing and please don’t shout at or harass drivers as was happening on day one.

“I know it’s getting warmer but we personally need to all keep the temperature down.”

The roadworks are part of a £1 million investment by Wessex Water to improve the town’s water supply and reduce the risk of leaks.

Sidmouth Street, Devizes (Image: Newsquest)

Director of construction and infrastructure maintenance Eddie Rant said: “We recognise this is a major investment in improving the water supply throughout Devizes and we’re working closely with customers, businesses and Wiltshire Council to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.”