Partial road closure remains a year after fire

A council has apologised for disruption caused by a partial road closure which has lasted for more than a year.

One lane of Northgate Street in Devizes, Wiltshire, was shut in November 2024 following a fire at a kebab house which made the Grade II listed building unsafe.

The closure has led to a build-up in traffic in the town at peak times.

Mel Jacob, deputy leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We know how frustrating this ongoing lane closure is on Northgate Street and we apologise for the inconvenience - we are keen to get the road reopened as soon as we can."

The owner has applied to demolish the building and Wiltshire Council has said it will expedite the planning application to try to get the road opened as soon as possible.

"This is a complicated case because of the historic construction of the Grade II listed building and those that adjoin it, the limited access, and the need for the property owners to work together to resolve structural issues," Ms Jacob added.

Further road closures may be needed in the future if planning consent is granted to demolish and replace the building.

Mayor Jennie Britten, of Devizes Town Council, said: "The prolonged road closure on Northgate Street continues to impact the lives of residents, businesses and visitors and the reopening of both lanes to traffic on Northgate Street cannot come soon enough.

"The town council understands that this is a complex situation and urge all involved to do everything in their powers to resolve the situation as quickly as possible."

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