VISITORS to Salisbury over the festive period are being urged to plan their journeys – or face disruption due to a host of roadworks in the city centre.

Wiltshire Council is encouraging people visiting the city in the next six weeks to use all available car parks, as well as park and ride services.

Construction work is currently taking place for the Salisbury River Park project, as well as work in Fisherton Street as part of the Future High Streets Fund scheme.

Meanwhile, the Central Car Park has a reduced number of spaces available.

However, the council said there are alternative, accessible car parks available in Salisbury city centre, as well as five park and ride sites on the main routes into the city.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “Our Business Plan seeks to have vibrant, well-connected communities.

“Salisbury is a traditional cathedral city, which has recently benefited from the opening of businesses such as Bradbeers and Primark, as well as its many independent stores such as those found on Fisherton Street.

Phasing of the Fisherton Gateway work. Picture: Wiltshire Council

“With various festive activities on offer, we are expecting a busy Christmas period, with many visitors and residents looking to come into the city centre.

“Improvement works of the scale currently being undertaken in Salisbury unfortunately cause some temporary disruption and inconvenience to residents and tourists alike, for which we apologise, but anticipate the benefits will be significant and long lasting.”

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She said central car parks were filling up quickly as a result of the work and urged people to plan where they were heading.

“Culver Street car park, for example, has recently benefitted from additional investment to improve its users’ experience and is conveniently located with direct access from the A36, which means drivers can avoid the city centre traffic,” Cllr Thomas went on.

“With the expected increase in demand for car parking spaces over the Christmas period, the top floor of the car park has also been reopened and is now available for use.

“All park and ride sites are open Monday to Saturday, parking is available for free with a small charge to travel on the bus service to and from the city. These sites provide an ideal alternative when travelling into the city centre.”