Concerns about closed roads in Malmesbury (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Concerns about closed roads in Malmesbury

ROAD closures in the centre of Malmesbury next month, which may last up to eight weeks, will bring mayhem to the town, business leaders have warned.

The Chamber of Commerce also fears that trade in and around the High Street could be lost to Tetbury and other towns as a result of traffic diversions away from the centre.

The road traffic order, closing the two roads either side of the Market Cross, comes into effect on Monday, April 10 so that Wales and West Utilities can replace a gas main.

Part of Gloucester Street, from the Old Bell to the top of the High Street, and the whole of Oxford Street, will undergo separate closures in an effort to minimise the disruption.

"It,s going to cause absolute mayhem," Cllr Ray Sanderson, also chairman of the Malmesbury Chamber of Commerce, told Tuesday night's meeting of Malmesbury Town Council.

"Traders are already feeling the pinch. People will say 'we might as well go to Tetbury to do my shopping.'"

During the Gloucester Street closure, traffic will be diverted via Oxford Street, Cross Hayes Lane, St Dennis Lane, High Street, A429 Malmesbury by-pass, Filands, Tetbury Hill, Gloucester Road and Abbey Row.

The Oxford Street closure will involve a detour via Gloucester Street, Abbey Row, Gloucester Road, Tetbury Hill, Filands, A429 by-pass, Whitchurch Hill and Holloway.