AN Old Town street is set to be closed to traffic at weekends in a bid to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Swindon Borough Council has approved a new experimental traffic regulation order which will come into force on Monday, March 30.

The order will see Wood Street closed to traffic from the junction with High Street to the junction with Albert Street, from Friday to Sunday between 7pm and 6am.

The restrictions will be in place for 18 months.

Owner of Mario’s Italian Restaurant Nino Coniglio told the Adver: “Wood Street is the heart and soul of Old Town and it gets densely populated at weekends.

“To ensure the safety of our customers and all general public, the road closure in the evening will enhance protection and well-being.”

The move aims to enhance pedestrian safety for those who enjoy Old Town’s weekend nightlife.

Coun Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “ We take public safety very seriously and this Traffic Regulation order is intended to make sure people can enjoy themselves on Wood Street at weekends without having to worry about passing cars.

“We have been working closely with Wiltshire Police and we are both confident that this Order will make a positive difference to the already popular nightlife in Old Town.”

Taxis and emergency service vehicles will still be able to use Wood Street, and residents will still be able to use it to access their properties.

Wiltshire Police’s Supt Adrian Burt said: “ We fully support the trial of this new Traffic Regulation Order in Wood Street. This area of Old Town is hugely popular, especially during the weekends and it is important that the public feel safe when they are out and about.

“The trial of this new order will hopefully improve public safety and reduce the risk of any road-related incidents in the area. We will continue to have a visible presence in Wood Street during Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and will maintain a close working relationship with Swindon Borough Council as they monitor the impact of this order.”

Officers at the council will review feedback after the first six months of the order being in place. And in consultation with councillors, they will agree on any modifications that need to be made.

A spokesman for Swindon Borough Council said: “ Currently, pedestrians leaving pubs and clubs are at risk of coming into conflict with through traffic, parked cars can prevent emergency service vehicles accessing Wood Street, and people often get out of taxis into oncoming traffic due to the rank being on the north side of the road.

“Anyone wishing to make comment on the proposals will be able to do so during the first six months via the Council’s website. Any comments received will be used to inform the future of this trial.”

Other changes include the relocation of the taxi rank from the north to the south side of the street and the introduction of ‘no waiting’ and ‘no loading at any time’ regulations on the north side.