I READ with concern Councillor Adrienne Westbrook’s letters in the local press in which she bemoans the fact that new development to the East of Melksham will be a burden to the town although it lies within the parish of Melksham Without.

In fact the development will be of benefit to the town in that its new residents will use the commercial services of the town centre. Section 106 monies from the developers will contribute to primary and secondary education and also funding for the town cemetery and the campus. Further, the play areas and public open space will be owned and maintained by the developers.

As for Melksham Without Parish Council not contributing to the town, we have just offered to support the maintenance of the Market Place public toilets as well as making the following grants in the current financial year (in addition to those in the parish): The Rachel Fowler Centre, £200; Melksham Riverside Club, £200; Melksham & District Girl Guides, £300; Happy Circle Day Centre, £100; Group Five, £300; Melksham PHAB Club, £250; Melksham Foodbank, £100; Wiltshire Mind, £100; Melksham & District Seniors 55+, £100; Melksham Christmas Lights, £250; Melksham Party in the Park, £150; Melksham Carnival, £100; Melksham Shed, £100; Melksham Railway Development Group, £200; AFC Melksham (Disabled), £250; Melksham Choral Society, £100; Melksham Country Dancers, £100; Melksham Gardeners' Society, £200; Enigma, £100; Melksham Amateur Swimming Club, £200; Melksham Tourist Information Centre, £500.

We pay for 45 per cent of the joint Neighbourhood Plan and 50 per cent of funding to Visit Wiltshire.

Finally, the issues of local governance were settled by Wiltshire Council on November 24, 2015 when Melksham Without Parish Council suggested transferring the existing development East of Melksham to the town, something the Town Council never asked for.

Councillor Richard Wood, Chairman, Melksham Without Parish Council