Latest news with #DevizesRoad
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Businesses take matters into their own hands over disruptive road closure
A new series of summer events will be held in Swindon while a main road is closed for gas works. Wales and West Utilities has started a major £120,000 project to replace the gas pipes under Devizes Road and, following a closure from the Royal Oak roundabout, will shut the entire route in both directions from July 21 until the end of September to carry out the work in phases. Read more: Popular cultural festival returns to Swindon next month Festival featuring tribute bands returning this weekend Another road closure hits busy town road Along with the free pavement licences that will allow businesses to serve customers outdoors while the closure is in place, there will also be three large-scale events across Devizes Road and Wood Street to bring, music, food and footfall back to the area. Friends of Old Town, the public face of the Old Town Business Association, has organised the Old Town Gasworks Sunday Socials to support businesses affected by the loss of through traffic to the area. A different themed event will take place on August 3, 17, and 31, on the closed stretch of road and Wood Street. Be the first to know with the Swindon Advertiser! 📱 💡 Our flash sale brings the latest local happenings directly to you. Save over 50% on an annual subscription now. 🔗 #SpecialOffer — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) July 4, 2025 The first weekend is a Family Festival with funfair rides, children's arts and crafts, chalk art installations and live acoustic music. The second will be a Beer & Country Music Festival with craft beer bars, outdoor games and a line-up of Americana and folk bands. The last event will expand Old Town's Street Foods Festival onto Devizes Road for the first time, featuring global cuisine, live music, artisan traders and a carnival atmosphere. The events have been made possible thanks to sponsorship from the works company Wales & West Utilities. Old Town Business Association chair Kris Talikowski said: 'When we learned Devizes Road would close for the whole of August, we knew we had to do more than just complain. 'These Sunday Socials are about turning disruption into something worth coming out for. 'They're designed to keep the area alive and thriving, not only for traders, but for the whole town. 'We're grateful to Wales & West for recognising the impact of their works and stepping in with meaningful support.' Ross Gregory, external affairs manager for Wales & West Utilities, said: 'We understand the pressure roadworks can place on local high streets. "That's why we're pleased to support this community-led programme of events, a positive and creative way of keeping Old Town vibrant while we deliver vital gas infrastructure upgrades.' For more information about the events and the road closure, visit
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Devizes Road closure sparks conflicting views in Swindon
The planned three-month closure of a major road in Swindon has drawn mixed reactions from residents and the closure, which will begin in June, Wales & West Utilities will replace ageing gas pipes under the A4289 Devizes Road, one of the key routes in the been issued temporary pavement licences, several businesses on the road have said the closure may revitalise trade, but commuters have raised concerns about the impact it will have on planned road closure, approved by Swindon Borough Council, will continue in phases until the end of September. The section of pipe being replaced is more than 80 years old and has reached the end of its operational Talikowski, vice chair of Old Town Business Association, is among those optimistic about the closure."The pop-up licences give businesses a chance to keep add some extra trading through the works, and to create a really positive atmosphere on Devizes Road this summer," he said."We're also committed to supporting our businesses and making the most of the situation."With safe pedestrian access maintained, and outdoor trading encouraged, we hope residents and visitors alike will continue to support Old Town throughout the summer." Charlotte Phipps, who owns The Flower Pot on Devizes Road, said she had mixed feelings about the project."I'm a bit apprehensive. I'm hoping that the footfall will be great, and I can have a lot more plants outside, but it's a big thing not having cars going past the shop," she added."The footfall of Old Town at the moment is brilliant. Lots of people are out and very positive about all the shops and things to see. The lack of traffic will hopefully bring in more people on foot."Hayley Stapleton, owner of the nearby bar the Tuppenny, said she was "really excited"."Having some outdoor space where we can trade in the summer months is a real positive," she a number of local residents have expressed concerns with one describing the closure as a "big hassle" and another believing that it would "cause more traffic problems" because of the knock-on effect on other works will start from the Croft Road end and gradually progress towards Wood Street.
