Locals split as two-way traffic returns to Fisherton Street

The road was one-way for more than a year while improvements were made to the road network and public spaces as part of the £3.2m Fisherton Gateway scheme.

Nick Holder of Wiltshire Council believes the scheme ‘creates a much more welcoming environment’ and ‘makes it easier for people to navigate the city centre, encouraging visitors to spend more time in the area’.

On Saturday, the Salisbury Journal posted a video on Facebook showing vehicles using new give way lines outside Culture Coffee and Stonehenge Cycles.

In the comments, some locals praised the work, saying it will benefit pedestrians and businesses.

Mark Wareham said the scheme was “absolutely” worthwhile.

“Fisherton Street looks and feels so much better for pedestrians,” he wrote.

“It's a pleasure to walk on those new wide pavements.”

PICTURES: Fisherton Street OPEN to two-way traffic as £3.2m scheme nears completion

LETTER: ‘Time will tell if the Fisherton Street work will benefit the city’

Christine Gregory Nelson said: “It looks lovely. The calming road measures are great, (they will) stop idiots rushing around.

“The pavements are much safer for everybody. I think it's great, much nicer to walk to train station (and) to visit local shops.”

Holly Lovegrove commented: “I walked along it today in the sunshine. The pavement is much improved and far easier to manoeuvre.

“Paddington is a cute addition. But it took too bloody long!”

One resident likes the outcome – but says it “took too bloody long” (Image: Spencer Mulholland Photography) Fisherton Street resident Steven Wyatt wrote: “I love the new wide pavements, which are a pleasure to stroll along and will surely bring new footfall to the businesses that have struggled during the lengthy works.

“The street feels more open and people-friendly in contrast to the old car-choked rat run. And yes, I drive too.”

But some residents have criticised the scheme, especially the ‘bottleneck’ created on the bridge over the River Avon.

Salisbury Reds services have returned to normal on the route (Image: Spencer Mulholland Photography) Kate Taylor wrote: “I've just driven up Fisherton Street from the town centre.

“The pinch point is awful, you cannot see what is coming down because of the huge red planters!”

Lucy Godfrey added: “It's not open to two-way traffic though with that pinch point?!

“It's open to one-way, take-in-turns traffic. Whoever thought that design up has no idea how congested Salisbury gets.”

Zoë Turley commented: “It looks the same, and that pinch point is ridiculous.”

And Liam Rossi said: “Yet cars still have to wait to let cars pass. It's pointless having two ways.”