IT SEEMS that Melksham Without Parish Council are going to press on with the transfer of the former George Ward playing fields, at Dunch Lane, Melksham, to Melksham Without Parish Council in partnership with Melksham Town Council.
Persimmon Homes are making a one-off payment of £2,500 towards the transfer, and then its down to local taxpayers to pick up the bill for its upkeep. It’s alleged that they’re planning to provide allotments on part of the site. I would support this if it can be proved that there is a need. Melksham Without already have at least six vacant allotments that can’t be let.
If allotments are provided mains water would have to be laid and to the site, a large car park provided at the entrance to the site. How much this will cost, we still do not know.
It is suggested that the field could also be used for leisure by the residents of Shaw and Whitley. What parent in their right mind would allow their children to walk or cycle to reach the field along the busy Bath Road from Shaw and Whitley?
It was suggested by Melksham Without, that a footway could be provided across farmland from the two villages. Fine, but the land isn’t in the ownership of the council.
There is little, if any, benefit to Melksham Without taking over the ownership of the area, even if it is part of the parish. If Melksham Town Council wish to take the ownership, that’s fine but there will be a cost to the taxpayers of Melksham.
It’s rumoured that Wiltshire Council sold the former playing fields for £10 million. If this is true, let them pay for the upkeep of the area and provide allotments, rather than pass the bill to the residents of Melksham Without and the town.
Terry Chivers
Eden Grove
Whitley