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A local business leader has come to the support of the Salisbury Vision proposals for the Market Place. Following recent concern, Ian Newman, Chairman of Salisbury City Centre Management has responded to the project's critics by claiming that the renaissance of the Market Place is crucial to the future of Salisbury.

He said: "There has been some criticism recently about the Wiltshire Council, decision to press ahead with the Market Place project. The objections being that access for delivery vehicles to the businesses around the Market Place will be affected and that it will have a detrimental impact on the Charter Market".

"How is this known when there are as yet no detailed plans? I have been assured by Wiltshire Council that before any work starts there will be full consultation with local businesses, including market traders, and residents. I have also been told that access will continue to be provided and that an even better location will be created for the Charter Market. Salisbury City Centre Management will settle for no less".

A number of local residents and businesses have also questioned the cost of the Market Place project. This is currently estimated at £3 million. Money, which the project's critics argue should be spent on repairing the city's streets and pavements. Mr Newman agrees that the city's streets are in a sorry state of repair but says that this work should be in addition to the Market Place and not instead of it.

He added: "Salisbury City Centre Management supports the renaissance of the Market Place for two reasons. Firstly, because businesses will not invest in the future of Salisbury unless the council does. We need that business investment to create more jobs by providing new shops, restaurants and other businesses. The Market Place project will act as a catalyst for this further investment, without which Salisbury's future will be much less certain".

"And secondly, because I want that £3 million spent in Salisbury. If we say no to the Market Place project, Wiltshire Council will simply take that money elsewhere - to Trowbridge, Chippenham and Devizes - where the local businesses and residents will welcome it with open arms".