Malmesbury residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the long-awaited reopening of the Waitrose steps marks a victory for the Town Council’s persistent campaign.
Designed to provide shoppers with easy access from the supermarket car park to Malmesbury High Street, the steps had been closed since 2017 due to safety concerns, despite being a crucial pathway for foot traffic.
Mayor Cllr Gavin Grant expressed his delight at Waitrose fulfilling its promise to repair and reopen the steps, emphasising their significance in enhancing access to the town center.
“The steps were installed on a promise to Malmesbury to help our High Street and for the convenience of shoppers. They have been closed for the best part of seven years, following a failed safety inspection,” said Mayor Grant.
He continued, “We and the local Waitrose team have campaigned hard to get that decision reversed. So, we are all delighted to see the steps open again, safe for public use, and the promise is kept.”
Waitrose branch partners echoed the sentiment, expressing their happiness at seeing the steps back in use. Although fully operational, some final touches, such as treating the wooden railings, are still underway.
For Malmesbury residents like Janice and Edward James, regular Waitrose shoppers who utilise the steps, the reopening is a cause for celebration. They described it as “great news and a long time coming.”
Cllr Kim Power, who played a key role in liaising with Waitrose, acknowledged the challenges encountered during the repair process but praised the support received from the local community.
“The steps are great for residents on foot and also for those who wish to park there and after shopping at Waitrose, walk into town for other shops,” said Cllr Power. “Yes, it has been a long and often frustrating process with the property side of the company after the steps fell into such disrepair. However, we have always had an excellent relationship with our local Waitrose branch partners, many of whom are Malmesbury residents.”
She added, “They have been and are very supportive of local charities and initiatives, and along with our other supermarkets and smaller retailers, continue to provide a fantastic range of options for shopping locally.”
