QUEEN Street in Salisbury is set to permanently close to vehicles and become fully pedestrianised. 

The city centre street has already been closed to vehicles from 10am to 4pm daily for several years, and also regularly shuts when there are events in the Guildhall Square.

However, in May, buses, taxis and vehicles loading or unloading will be prohibited on Queen Street at all times, and the road can only be used by pedestrians and cyclists, as it currently forms part of the Route 45 of the National Cycle Network.

Concerns were previously raised from businesses about the impact the closure would have, particularly on deliveries.

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Wiltshire Council says deliveries to residences and businesses on that street can take place from Milford Street or Blue Boar Row/Winchester Street or through the Cross Keys shopping centre.

Deliveries to other nearby streets can proceed from the Market Square or New Canal.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Queen Street in Salisbury is already closed to motor vehicles during the day and for events in the Guildhall Square, so this permanent closure is just an extension of the restrictions that are currently in place.

“We’ve listened to feedback from residents, businesses and local organisations on the closure, and we recognise that some businesses may feel that it makes deliveries to their premises more difficult. However, having looked at the options, we believe that there are ample opportunities for local businesses to receive deliveries in the vicinity of Queen Street, and that this closure would not make a significant difference to deliveries.

Read more: Queen Street closure 'should have been done years ago', says councillor

“The closure means that pedestrians and cyclists can safely walk along the road at all times, as an extension of the Guildhall Square, and the introduction of contraflow cycling in both Queen Street and High Street will encourage cycling, as the road forms part of the National Cycle Network.

“The changes will begin in May, and we look forward to Queen Street being fully pedestrianised from this date.”

The announcement of the closure comes after the local authority launched a consultation last December.

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