WARMINSTER Town Council officially took over the reins of the town park on Monday as Wiltshire Council relinquished its control.

Councillors from the town council and officers from Wiltshire Council met on the bandstand in the park to complete the handover, meaning it will now be maintained solely by the town council.

The town council’s direct services supervisor, Stuart Legg, who was appointed five months ago, will be responsible for supervising the park and other outdoor areas in the town.

Warminster councillor Rob Fryer said: “We are all delighted that the park is now under our control, I don’t think anyone is against it, including residents.

“We have already been busy making changes including getting the paddling pool back up and running and roping volunteers in to make improvements to the flower beds.

“There’s no denying that looking after the park will incur high costs but I think everyone recognises that it’s important to have a park everyone can be proud of in the town.

“The other day I spoke to people who had come to the park from Westbury because they liked that there was a number of different features including a skate park and pool.

“Personally I would like to see boats back on the lake like there used to be, but that will be particularly expensive so we will have to wait and see on that one.”

The contract for the maintenance of the park is held by idverde, previously The Landscape Group, who have appointed Rob Fear as a full-time park keeper.

He has lived in Warminster all his life and will assist Mr Legg in making sure the park is looking its best all year round.

They will be in the park most days and are open to suggestions residents may have on how to improve the area.

The previous park keeper, Robbie Hervin, has now retired but will continue to live in the park keeper’s cottage and will keep an eye on the land he knows very well.