THE Mayor of Melksham, Cllr Adrienne Westbrook, is “over the moon” at news that Wiltshire Council has agreed to transfer King George V playing field to Melksham Town Council, free of charge.

On Tuesday, Wiltshire Council Cabinet agreed to transfer the park to the town council, including the old Beanacre & Melksham Cricket Club pavilion and the former West Wiltshire District Council depot.

Town councillors are now hoping Wiltshire Council will also agree to demolish an old building on the depot site that was condemned three years ago because it contains dangerous asbestos.

Cllr Westbrook said: “We are absolutely over the moon about the asset transfer.

“It is great news that the town is now to get its main park, subject to Wiltshire Council’s legal team liaising with the town clerk to make sure all the legal bits are dealt with.”

It is likely there will be a period of negotiation while the various leases involved in the deal are sorted out.

The town council has recently consulted residents on the future of the King George V playing field and what facilities they would like to see there.

Town councillors have plans to install a new £100,000 splash pad for younger children, which should be open by this time next year.

Cllr Westwood said they are looking to the long-term future and plan to install additional play areas and other recreational facilities once the assets have been transferred.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, who was at the Wiltshire Council meeting, said: “We are interested in sorting this out but we want to make sure it is cost-effective and efficient for all the parties involved.”