Almost 500 people have given their views on the future of The Shambles in Devizes - with around 80 per cent wanting it to be a community space. 

It comes after Devizes Town Council launched a survey in order to find out what people thought the future should hold for the indoor market.

The council has been looking at how it currently meets the shopping needs of the town and what retail experience and community value the building should provide in the future.

More than 485 responses were received by the council, outlining what people currently think of the building, and what they would like it to be in the future.

When asked what four key objectives the Shambles should meet, about 77 per cent of the respondents said the Shambles should encourage business enterprise and community events and activities.

71 per cent said it should promote the town as a great place to visit and 67 per cent said it should be a safe and welcoming space to meet alongside its food and beverage offering.

Eight respondents (1.66 per cent) didn't agree with any of the options, and 105 people (21.78 per cent) came up with their own options.

Some of these included ideas like encouraging and promoting local enterprises and talent, drawing in young people, and being accessible to all.

Some people also wanted it to be "an actual market and not a tourist attraction."

People were also suggesting the Shambles be the home for regular pop-ups to help vary the things being sold.

Most of the people answering the survey said they had been to the Shambles within the last week or month, and about half of the respondents had bought something, whereas 43 people never even thought about shopping in the Shambles.

63 per cent of people who hadn't shopped said there is rarely anything they want to buy.

When asked what people would be interested in shopping in the Shambles, the most popular answers were a selection of farmer's market products, flowers and plants and craftware.

People also had the choice to give their own suggestions, with some suggestions being: different kinds of food options, ethnic crafts, and flea markets or vintage sales.

The next stage is for the council to look at what options it has for the building to both complement the current retail offer in the town and prepare it for the next generation of shoppers.

Alongside that, the council will have to look at what plans are likely costs and how that work can be funded.