PEOPLE will get the chance to have their say on changes to Devizes Market Place when the town council holds a drop in session on March 2.

Town clerk Simon Fisher has repeatedly said he did not think a public meeting was the best way to give information about the plans to stop parking in the square.

He said this week: “We will set up a stall in the Market Place and encourage people to come and talk to town council staff and councillors. We will have plans and can give them an idea of what the new layout would be. We hope lots of people will come and see us.” They will be near Greggs from 10am to 2pm.

The Federation of Small Businesses and the Devizes Future Market Place Group has welcomed the news as a move in the right direction.

A spokesman said: “Whilst we are still a long way from a firm solution that suits the needs of all those involved I think this is a really positive first step.

“I am pleased that the council has taken on board what has been said over the last few weeks and have to give the credit to the hundreds of people who have spoken out to make their views known and urged the town council to go back to the negotiating table.

“Now we all have to hope that Wiltshire Council will give the same weight to the views of Devizes residents and businesses in order to find a solution which is workable for the town.”

But Devizes area board chairman Simon Jacobs has defended Wiltshire Council’s decision to stop the free parking in the Market Place.

He said: “This transfer of assets and services will empower Devizes to be able to attract more people into the town through events and improved experiences. Towns need to find new ways to bring people into their centres and new ways to keep them there. Those are based around experiences and leisure, as well as the retail offer.

“Free parking in the Market Place was removed as part of a parking review over a year ago. We did not implement this change at the time to enable discussions with Devizes Town Council.

“To assist very short-stay shoppers we are working with Devizes Town Council to ensure that there are free 30-minute on-street parking places in the centre of Devizes around the Market Place alongside the other parking available in the town.”