THE roads will close for the Marlborough International Jazz Festival to the delight of the organisers but to the disappointment of traders.

The decision has been made final by Wiltshire Council highways boss Philip Whitehead who agreed New Road and parts of the High Street, Kingsbury Street and The Parade will shut between 10am-11pm next Saturday, July 18 as part of the event.

During a consultation earlier this year, 24 responses and a petition of 83 signatures against the road closure were received, with 17 responses in favour. Many also voiced their concerns at a Marlborough Town Council planning meeting last month.

Councillor Whitehead said he had taken into account all the views presented to him, in particular of Marlborough Town Council, to bring the heated topic to a close.

He added: “Marlborough Town Council has resolved to support the road closure having considered representations from supporters and objectors, alongside the wider benefits that the event brings to its town.

“I endorse the Town Council’s proviso that there should be a post event meeting to resolve outstanding issues prior to next year’s festival and would expect significant effort to resolve any issues within Marlborough town well in advance of any future requests.”

However, the decision has left the Marlborough High Street Retailers Association (MHSRA) which represents 93 retailers, worrying about how trade will be affected in the town and they formally objected to road closures before 5pm.

Bob Holman, owner of the Food Gallery, had hoped an agreement or compromise could have been made between traders and the jazz fest organisers and criticised the “immensely” and “incompetent” closure application.

He said: “I’m astonished quite frankly. I just find it incredible that incomplete and inaccurate plans for road closures can be bullied through the town council and that decision is ratified by a higher authority.

“We are in support of the jazz festival, it’s an incredible event, it’s the fact that road closures seriously effect turnover for businesses in Marlborough High Street.”

Founder of the Jazz Festival, organised by the Marlborough Arts Association, Nick Fogg has previously said the road closures are for safety reasons on the advice of Wiltshire Police as it attracts thousands of people every year.