As local councillor for the new housing estate east of Melksham, I would encourage local residents to take part in the consultation being carried out by Melksham Without Parish Council regarding the planned community benefits from the main housing development East of Melksham (between Snarlton Lane and Snowberry Lane).

They include the necessary infrastructure, provision of the new primary school, and two children’s play areas; one for younger children (already built) and one for older children as well as some football pitches.

However, with the development of the existing Forest & Sandridge School site there may be an additional funding pot for an outdoor recreation community project and Melksham Without Parish Council is interested in finding out what local residents would like to see provided in that area.

Subject to the acquisition of the land and funding for the project, the parish council is interested to see if residents would like the addition of allotments, the installation of open air gym equipment (a trim trail) or another type of project.

An open air gym would include equipment for all ages for beginners to advanced athletes. It could even be described as a playground for adults (why should children have all the fun?) The equipment would be permanently installed outside making it free to use and accessible.

Allotments have proved popular elsewhere in the parish and the new site developed in Berryfield a couple of years ago is full of tenants all growing their own produce and enjoying the good life.

The parish council is interested to find out if residents from Forest, Sandridge and the East of Melksham housing development would be interested in having allotments too.

It may be that you have an idea for a project in the area which would benefit the residents who live there, in which case please provide details of what you would like to have.

The project has to be for outdoor recreation to be eligible for the community benefit funding.

You can take part in this consultation online by going to www.myenvolve.com/project/forestsandridge1 or email me any comments or contact the parish council direct at Melksham Without Parish Council, Crown Chambers, Market Place, Melksham.

Councillor Terry Chivers, Independent Melksham Without North, Eden Grove, Whitley.