Moving Knees before a result of the Bowyers development inquiry is a premature move, according to Trowbridge and Wiltshire Councillor John Knight.

The former mayor and councillor for the Trowbridge Central ward, which includes Knees and the town centre, said:“What does amaze me is with the situation with Bowyers having an inquiry in January. I would have thought to hang for a while until then, but that’s their own decision.

“Personally I don’t think it will be that devastating; whichever way the inquiry goes there is going to be a development there, which is going to change the footfall to the whole area, but I would have thought the decision is rather premature; after all these years it’s not hard to wait another six months to see what happens.

“If you think of the building as it is most local people are aware of it by now, but newcomers to town tend not to know where it is. But as a person who was born here it would be quite a blow to the town.

“As a member of the Town Team we do a lot to promote the centre of town, introducing the market, and as far as we are concerned Knees were quite pleased with it, they have seen an increase in footfall fivefold on Wednesdays.

“It seems an extraordinary time to do it, and I am very surprised they chose to do it now.

“In terms of the town I am very disappointed, as the Town Team, Town Council and Chamber of Commerce are going through a town BID which is quite a big move, and that’s to encourage firms in the town to put a little bit of money in to invest in the town.

“We are working very hard to put some life back in the town, which has been very successful in terms of the market, and increasing footfall, and the other traders seem very happy with it.

“It doesn’t do anything for the businesses in town of the town if the town hasn’t got a heart beating away, then you’re in trouble.”