MALMESBURY residents and businesses are being asked for their views about the free on street parking arrangements in the town centre that should operate after the Covid-19 pavement widening scheme is removed.

To support the changes made, some on street parking spaces were removed, parking times were changed, new Blue Badge bays were introduced in Market Cross and the Upper High Street and unloading and loading bays created.

While the bollards and planters will be removed and all the previous parking spaces re-instated, when social distancing guidelines allow, some or all of the other changes could be kept.

Mayor of Malmesbury Paul Smith explained: “The pavement widening in the High Street and Oxford Street was introduced as a temporary measure in June 2021. When it became clear social distancing would be needed for more than just a few weeks changes were made to maximise the use of the available on street parking and improve accessibility as much as possible.

“Now Malmesbury Town Council is asking residents and businesses for views we can take back to Wiltshire Council on whether any of these other should be kept after the widening arrangements can be removed.

“We are looking forward to the end of all lockdown restrictions and it is already encouraging to see so many who live in and around Malmesbury shopping and spending locally and enjoying our great local facilities.

“The information we are seeking will help us advise Wiltshire Council on the best long term arrangements for free on street parking and accessibility in the town centre.”

The online survey is on the Malmesbury Town Council website at malmesbury.gov.uk and paper versions are available in the town hall.

The closing date for views to be received is June 1.