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Could King Alfred's birthplace be about to change?

Chris McHugh
BBC News, Wantage
BBC The statue of King Alfred is pictured on a plinth and taken from the ground nearby. A roof is visible in the background the skies are grey and overcast. BBC
A statue of Alfred the Great has looked over Wantage's Market Place since 1877

As the birthplace of King Alfred and the home of former poet laureate John Betjeman, Wantage in Oxfordshire has an illustrious past. But what about its future?

Oxfordshire County Council is inviting people to give their thoughts and ideas on how to improve Market Place, with a particular focus on active travel and improving accessibility.

The four-week survey will inform changes the authority wants to make for Wantage to be a "healthier, friendlier and safer environment".

But speaking to businesses and shoppers on an overcast weekday morning, one particular issue dominates the conversations - parking.

Wantage's Market Place. A small car park is pictured at the centre of a large town square. On the left is a parking information sign which gives information on parking times and costs. In the background are high street shops with a cafe outside featuring outside seating
Oxfordshire County Council wants people's views on how to improve Wantage's Market Place

Packing up his van after selling out of burritos, trader Carl Condon says Wantage is a "brilliant" place to work.

"We started off slow [as a business], but we're established now, so we can only see things getting busier," he continues.

But he says he has noticed people struggling to park when the market takes over the square's car park on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

"There are a few changes that could be made to improve footfall - mainly parking," he says.

"A lot of people will circle the market trying to find somewhere to go."

Carl Condon is wearing a black t shirt with his company logo and a black baseball cap. He is smiling and leaning over the counter of his food van from the inside. A neon sign with Mexican paraphernalia is visible on the van's wall behind him
Market trader Carl Condon said people struggled to find parking when visiting the town's market

On the West End of Market Place, which has been pedestrianised since the Covid-19 pandemic, baristas Maisey Collins and Abbie Davis are taking a break from their shift.

"More restaurants and more bars [would be a good idea]," says Miss Collins.

"If we go out for dinner or anything like that, we go out of town."

Miss Davis says parking in the town is "a bit of a nightmare... I park at one of our regulars at the cafe's flats".

"Otherwise it's about £7 to park for the day at work which is obscene on my salary... [you could] potentially make the Sainsbury's car park payable," she continues.

Oxfordshire County Council says it wants to improve public transport access to the town, which Miss Davis says is needs.

"The buses take a very long time to get anywhere other than Wantage, so you're a bit stuck here unless you drive," she says.

Maisy Collins, with tied back blond hair and a black t shirt, sits at an outside table next to Abbie Davis, with long blond hair and a black vest top. Miss Davis also has two tattoos, one on each arm. The cafe they work at is visible in the background and a glass of water is on the table in front of them.
Baristas Maisey Collins (L) and Abbie Davis (R) say Wantage needs more restaurants and bars

Oxfordshire County Council also says it is committed to exploring ways to make Market Place more accessible and "safer for those with mobility issues".

Back on Market Place, mobility scooter user Gene Hicks says navigating the town centre is simple "once you know the places to go."

"Sometimes, the cars park over the dropped kerbs and you can't get down. Apart from that, it's easy."

Gene Hicks sits on his mobility scooter and looks to the right towards the camera. He is wearing a yellow polo shirt and a pork pie hat with the work 'Lanzarote' on it. He has a satchel slung over one of his shoulders. The street market is visible with traders and shoppers in the background
Gene Hicks, who uses a mobility scooter, said getting around was "easy" unless cars parked on dropped kerbs

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for place, environment and climate action, says the project is at an "early stage."

"Our vision for Wantage Market Place is to create a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible space for everyone," she says.

"We aim to enhance the historical charm of the market town while addressing the challenges of climate change.

"The project is at an early stage and a design is yet to be developed."

The online survey closes on 22 July and the council will hold two drop-in events in the town on Saturday and 9 July.

An initial design for Market Place is not expected to be revealed until spring 2026.

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