Fisherton Street roadworks nearly complete in drone photos

Wiltshire Council has said that "considerable progress has been made", including the resurfacing of the road, road line markings, and the positioning of new benches and planters.

Many of the traffic management barriers were removed last month, meaning the final look can be seen for the first time since work began more than a year ago. 

Photographer Spencer Mulholland has used a drone to show the changes made to the city centre road.

@salisburyjournal Has all the work on Fisherton Street been worth it? 🚗 #salisbury #wiltshire #traffic #roadworks ♬ Against All Odds - Abricot

Salisbury Journal readers have reacted to the new footage on Facebook, many slating the works as a 'waste of time and money'. 

One reader said: "I can only imagine the future congestion under the rail bridge! I am all for decent pavements, yes it is a relief and much safer not to walk or push small wheels over constant bumps and holes, but a full tarmac would have been fine, especially when compared to the shops which are in a poor state on the exterior as they can barely survive."

Another added: "I remember seeing the original sketch with trees and plants. I assume these didn't happen? Basically it's been a killing of businesses & disruption for over a year for local people for what?

"However, tourists trying to find the Rail Station can now follow the yellow brick road while singing goodbye yellow brick road!"

The new Fisherton Street (Image: Spencer Mulholland) Some expressed more positive opinions towards the new look.

Someone wrote: "I haven’t been back home or walked into town from the fire station for about 6-12 months or more, it all looks great in my opinion.

"Finally catching up and spending some money on the place. Can’t wait to see it when it’s finished and bring my partner to see it all, be nice in the summer along the river soaking up the sun."

Another reader added: "All pavements should be changed like this and get rid of bloody old dangerous paving stones that are a hazard for elderly and disabled well for everyone really."

The one-way system should be removed next month (Image: Spencer Mulholland) Councillor Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, said: “One of the key priorities in our Business Plan is to create vibrant well-connected communities and we are making significant strides towards this goal in Salisbury.

“We are really pleased to reach the stage where these improvements are nearing completion, allowing Fisherton Street to be more accessible for pedestrians.

“We acknowledge that these improvements have caused disruption to local businesses and residents and we sincerely thank them for their patience and continued co-operation in delivering these important schemes for Salisbury.”

The one-way system remains in place until the works on South Western Road are complete, expected in mid-October. 

Fisherton Street improvements are part of the £9 million investment from the Future High Streets Fund to revitalise public spaces and improving pedestrian areas.

To find out more about these schemes visit: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fhsf-salisbury.