A major road in Marlborough is set to close for two months, and businesses on the street are worried about loss of customers.

Kingsbury Street, just off the Marlborough High Street, is set to close from 17 October to 12 December, whilst repairs take place to the front of 1, Kingsbury Street.

The closure will be in place from the road’s junction with the High Street to its junction with Silverless Street, affecting approximately 100 metres of road.

However, this will also affect nine businesses that rely on people coming through that stretch of road, particularly The Marlborough Bike Company, Bertie Golightly, Chris’ Barbershop and Marlborough Nails.

The repairs will take place at the height of the Christmas shopping period, which has created a concern for some of these businesses.

“We’ve been told that it’s only closing one way,” said a member of the Marlborough Bike Company, whose storefront is being repaired.

“We understand that the work has to be done, but it’s definitely not the best timing for us because November and December are our busy months leading up to Christmas.

“I don’t know how much it will affect our footfall, but we’re really hoping that it won’t hit us too badly,” they added.

Chris Bullock from Chris’ Barbershop next door had not been made aware that any closure would be taking place.

“We had no idea. Luckily it shouldn’t hit us too hard because we’re sort of on the High Street too and they can’t close that.

“But a closure for that length of time will affect not just businesses but people in the residential area for sure. Especially as it gets closer to Christmas,” he added.

Swindon Advertiser: Some businesses on the street are anxious for the closure.Some businesses on the street are anxious for the closure. (Image: Newsquest)

In an official statement, Marlborough Town Council have reassured shop owners and residents that the repair works are unlikely to actually take two months, but a longer road closure period has been granted just in case.

This will allow for any weather delays.

“The actual period for closure will be most likely only be six weeks,” Marlborough Town Council said.

“The closure is also for one side of the road only –the shop rather than Town Hall side.  Scaffolding will be erected on the corner to allow builders to access the exterior of the building.”

“As the road closure notices are issued by Wiltshire Council Highways rather than the Town Council, we can’t answer specifically about businesses, although our expectation is that they should all be notified as part of standard procedure. 

“In any event we will be visiting them soon on another matter so will double-check that they are aware when we do this.”