SHOULD Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council take over the running of the former George Ward playing fields, east of Dunch Lane, Melksham? As far as the village of Shaw and Whitley is concerned, we seem to have a split opinion. It has been suggested that part of the area could be used for allotments; sounds a good use of the area. It’s also important to maintain a green buffer between the village of Shaw and Whitley and Melksham town.
This area at present is in the ownership of Wiltshire Council who are keen to offload the area to the parish, who in turn would have to increase council tax to maintain the area. And this won’t come cheap. Yes many can afford to pay a few pounds more for local services, but there are dozens of local residents who can’t afford to pay extra, and are struggling to make ends meet.
Before a final decision is made, local councillors must be sure we have the support of local residents before we increase local council tax.
Councillor Terry Chivers
Eden Grove
Whitley
Melksham