The time is right to spend money on The Shambles indoor market in Devizes to secure its long-term future, the Town's Clerk has said.

Devizes Town Council has launched a consultation on plans for the regeneration of The Shambles in the town centre.

The council has been working with PKA Architects to develop proposals for a renovation of the building with a budget of up to £1 million.

Traders have since raised concerns that plans maybe too extreme and only small changes need to be made. Some say they also fear that the historic feel of the market could be lost.

READ MORE: The Shambles: Traders have their say on plans for £1m revamp

The budgeted money is coming from the council's reserves and it is likely the council will also need to put a long term loan in place, the Gazette has been told.

The Gazette asked Simon Fisher, Town Clerk, if he believes the market is the best place to spend the money.

He said: "The money is always available to spend on other things but we see this as the next project. We are doing other projects but this is a project that has been in the pipeline for a number of years. We think it is now right to spend money on this building to support its long-term future."

He added: "We could spend less on it, but it would be like sticking a plaster over it and we will spend the money again in a few years time. We could spend a lot more money but we might not see the return on it.

"In today's world in terms of building costs £1 million is not enough, it is a lot of money but you don't get a lot for £1 million."

The same question was put to Cllr Ian Hopkins, the current Mayor and one of the longest serving councillors, who also agreed.

He said: “Yes, we need to be able to revamp so it is able to go for another generation, for another 50 years. I think what will happen is it will increase footfall in the town.”