THE City Council is backing a proposal to extend the hours that Queen Street will be pedestrianised during the summer months.

Despite it already being closed to traffic on market days, restaurants had asked Wiltshire Council for permission to place extra tables and chairs on the street.

Gill Anlezark, who cycles regularly on the street, argued that the council should keep enough room for bikers to safely avoid pedestrians.

Councillor Colin Froude said: “I am sure that we can come up with a model that will meet everybody’s needs.”

Despite agreeing in principal to the extended closure, the council objected to the most southern part of the road becoming a seating area, as it uses it to service the Guildhall.

Councillor Margaret Wilmott added that it would remain a long-term aspiration to level the street, allowing the restaurants to place seating with flexibility while also giving space for pedestrians and cyclists.

Concern was also raised from councillors about the taxis and motorists that use the road as a shortcut to get to New Canal Street.