Latest news with #FriendsOfOldTown
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Major Swindon road to close for three months
A major road is set to close for three months so a gas pipe can be upgraded. Part of a £120,000 project by Wales & West Utilities, the full closure of the A4289 Devizes Road, in Old Town, Swindon, began in June, will come into force from 21 July. The closure, expected to be in place for three months, was approved by Swindon Borough Council. Mick Gallavin, from Wales & West Utilities, said the work was essential to "make sure the gas network is fit for the future". More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire The section of pipe being replaced is more than 80 years old and has reached the end of its operational life, the utility company said. In response to the closure, Friends of Old Town, which represents the Old Town Business Association, is holding a series of new summer street events to bring trade into the area. The events will take place on Wood Street on 3, 17 and 31 August and will include funfair rides, outdoor games, music and food. "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," said Kris Talikowski, association chair. The events are partly being sponsored by Wales & West Utilities. Ross Gregory, from the company, said it understood 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," he added. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Three-month road closure divides opinion Nine roads to be dug up by council in two months Related Internet Links Swindon Borough Council Wales and West Utilities Old Town Business Association
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
