MONTHS of debate over parking in Devizes Market Place have overshadowed the transfer of assets from Wiltshire to Devizes but but now the town council is keen for people to know the benefits they will gain.

Among the services that have just moved from county hall in Trowbridge to the town hall in Devizes are cleaning and the emptying of litter bins.

To make sure the town is looking at its best from the start a deep clean of the town centre is to take place this month.

Richard Clewer, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for corporate services, said: “We know Devizes has exciting plans for the future. We will continue to work in partnership with the town council and I wish them every success as they provide the local perspective to these important assets and services.”

Simon Fisher, Devizes Town Clerk, said: “We have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure a seamless transfer. Devizes Town Council has a number of initiatives planned to maximise the opportunities that the service delegation provides.

"Devizes residents will see real benefits achieved now the town council is overseeing the services, and can use its local knowledge to deliver improvements where they are needed.”

The two councils say the transfer of the cleaning contract will mean the town council's own workforce will supplement that done by Idverde. Hot spots will be targeted every three months and more litter bins will be provided.

Other services that are moving include play areas, management of the weekly market, management of the Shambles indoor market and care for woodland parks and nature reserves.

At the cabinet meeting last week it was agreed to convert up to half of the Market Place to community space with the remainder run by Wiltshire Council as a pay and display car park.

This means the freehold of the Market Place will still transfer to Devizes Town Council; however, a proportion will be managed by Wiltshire Council, on which a chargeable car park will be set up and managed. Any changes to other sections of parking in the town will be decided at a future date.

Focus groups have been set up by the town to discuss the detail.

Money from developers building in the town will be given to the town council to help pay for improvements.

A new reporting email address has been set up at MyDevizes@devizes-tc.gov.uk