Shoppers in Devizes are now able to top up with water for free, thanks to a new Wessex Water refill point.

Located in The Market Place, it is the first refill point to be installed in the town and was launched on Thursday market day by Devizes Mayor Cllr Chris Gay.

Wessex Water is encouraging people to drink more tap water and avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and the company is working with councils and businesses across its supply region to install refill units in public spaces.

The unit will be cleaned, maintained and inspected regularly to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and water quality.

Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water’s head of community engagement, said: “The refill point is in the perfect location to keep shoppers and market-goers hydrated and we’re really pleased it’s up and running.

“We’ve installed them successfully elsewhere and there are plans for many more in our water supply region, part of our mission to make it easier for people to choose refill over landfill.

“The average person in the UK uses 100 plastic bottles every year. If just one in 10 of us refilled once a week there would be 340 million fewer plastic bottles a year in circulation.”

Devizes Town Council clerk Simon Fisher said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Wessex Water on this project to provide free water refills for both Devizes residents and those who visit our town.

“It is more important than ever that we think about how we can reduce our single-use water bottles and this new facility in the heart of Devizes is a massive step in the right direction.”