Town Councillors recently met with residents from Station Road, the Police, Wiltshire Council officers and our MP Danny Kruger, to hear an update on the anti-social behaviour issues that have been historically impacting on local residents around Station Road car park and which recently sadly came to a head with a local resident being badly injured.
To help reduce the misuse of the car park, there is currently a closure order in place that prevents the car park from being used at night and will remain in place until November. It is also hoped that this order it will be extended into 2023. The town’s CCTV system, which is an important tool for helping to manage the problem of anti-social behaviour, will be extended to cover the car park later in the year, following a successful grant bid to a fund called “ Safer Streets”. This fund will also provide additional cameras in other parts of the town. The use of barriers were also discussed as a way of managing the use of the car park; however, after much discussion there was a feeling that they create as many problems as they solve, therefore further work is needed but at this stage there is a strong view that they may not be the solution to the problem. Ultimately, the best solution is to make the car park less attractive for anti-social motoring activities, therefore the Town Council is investigating how changes to the car park lay out may achieve this, whilst making it a greener space and encouraging more overnight parking. There is no quick fix unfortunately, but there is a commitment from all local agencies to deal with this problem.
Whilst the memory of our glorious summer weather may be quickly fading, this week the annual “In Bloom Committee” presentations were made to local businesses, community groups and residents for their spectacular floral displays. The committee felt that once again the quality of the displays were excellent and I add my thanks to all those who were involved in making our town such an attractive place to visit. There are too many awards to list but included was the Castle Hotel for having the best hotel frontage and the Wyvern Club for their outstanding display. The Judges also acknowledged the contribution made to the community by the Nursteed Pond Guardians, for the conservation work they have been undertaking.
Don’t forget this weekend sees the start of the 2022 Devizes Food Festival, kicking off with the Street Food and Artisan Producers Market this Saturday in the Market Place, Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Hillworth Park on Sunday and concluding with the World Food event in the Corn Exchange on Sunday 2nd October. Visit their website for the full programme of events.
Town Clerk, Simon Fisher