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Partial road closure remains a year after fire

News imageBBC A fire damaged building being propped up by wooden beams. A white building next door is also cordoned off. The cordon takes up much of the road leaning to just one lane being usableBBC
The damaged building has been cordoned off by Wiltshire Council

A council has apologised for disruption caused by a partial road closure which has lasted for more than a year.

One lane of Northgate Street in Devizes, Wiltshire, was shut in November 2024 following a fire at a kebab house which made the Grade II listed building unsafe.

The closure has led to a build-up in traffic in the town at peak times.

Mel Jacob, deputy leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We know how frustrating this ongoing lane closure is on Northgate Street and we apologise for the inconvenience - we are keen to get the road reopened as soon as we can."

News imageDorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service A building gutted by fire with broken windows, ash everywhere and smoke coming from the windows. Red smoke from a fire can be seen within a building.Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
The fire destroyed a kebab shop and damaged the roof of neighbouring buildings

The owner has applied to demolish the building and Wiltshire Council has said it will expedite the planning application to try to get the road opened as soon as possible.

"This is a complicated case because of the historic construction of the Grade II listed building and those that adjoin it, the limited access, and the need for the property owners to work together to resolve structural issues," Ms Jacob added.

News imageRed and white blocks with no entry signs and a yellow sign which says 'diversion' and another sign which says 'road closed'. A bus is coming in the other direction.
One lane of Northgate Street in Devizes was closed following a fire at a kebab shop

Further road closures may be needed in the future if planning consent is granted to demolish and replace the building.

Mayor Jennie Britten, of Devizes Town Council, said: "The prolonged road closure on Northgate Street continues to impact the lives of residents, businesses and visitors and the reopening of both lanes to traffic on Northgate Street cannot come soon enough.

"The town council understands that this is a complex situation and urge all involved to do everything in their powers to resolve the situation as quickly as possible."

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