Retail Forum proposes further solutions to Marlborough’s traffic problems

Marlborough’s Retail Forum and Chamber of Commerce have written to Wiltshire Council laying out suggestions which could help local retailers through the difficult times caused by ongoing  Marlborough roadworks- and make life easier for Marlborough’s shoppers.

Proposals to move the Mop Fairs to the common for this year were apparently not acceptable due to rules in Marlborough’s 13th century charter which would take an act of parliament to change.  The need to re lay the road surface so that the Pewsey Bridge can be used over the Mop Fair period obviously means that the road surface will need to be dug up again, delaying completion of the roadworks  yet further.

The Retail Forum is proposing:

· The bridge be left open in the run up to Christmas. October through to December are essential months for retailers, carrying them through the following four or five months or more.

· Wiltshire Council offers shoppers 2-3 hours of free parking for the remaining duration of the roadworks.

· Business rates be reduced for retailers until the roadworks are complete, to compensate for the loss of business.

The idea of the common as a car park with a shuttle bus being brought in to play has also been raised. Another suggestion is to reverse the flow of traffic in Hilliers Yard, so that people leave Waitrose Car Park from there, minimising the traffic jams in George Lane.

Chris Birkett, Chair of Marlborough Retail Forum and owner of Ducklings Toy Shop said,

"If a number of these actions can be addressed then that will help the visitors, residents and retailers of Marlborough to weather this particularly difficult period.”