The Chippenham community will be managing markets, play areas, parks and streetscene services from the summer now a transfer package has been agreed. The town council has worked with Wiltshire Council on the agreement which will empower the local community to decide how best to provide a range of assets and services for the future benefit of the town.
Under the package the Neeld Community & Arts Centre, Yelde Hall, Monkton Park open space and a number of community buildings and assets will be managed by the town council including:
- Grounds maintenance
- Responsibility for amenities including play areas and parks
- Street scene assets on the highways
- Management of the Friday and Saturday markets
- Patterdown Allotments
- Patterdown Rifle Range
- Englands Social Centre
- Territorial Army Reserves Hut (Sea Cadets)
- Monkton Park Golf Centre
Chippenham will also benefit from Section 106 money for developments in the area. The transfer was agreed by cabinet at a meeting today (26 March 2019)
Richard Clewer, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for corporate services said: “Chippenham is a beautiful part of Wiltshire and we know transferring these assets to the local community will mean they continue to thrive and benefit from local passion and ideas.
“The people of Chippenham are best placed to know what will make their town thrive and the transfer will enable residents and councillors to drive a strong economy and a bright future. This is our third asset transfer in Wiltshire and once again we have worked closely with the local community to prepare this transfer which I am confident will be of great benefit to residents.”
Cllr Sandie Webb, leader of Chippenham Town Council. “The transfer of valuable and historic assets from Wiltshire Council will benefit our community for years to come, while the ownership of Monkton Park will enable council to maintain this beautiful area and work with the Environment Agency to implement improvements the river Avon that meanders its way through the centre of Chippenham.
A range of vital services will also now be performed by the Town Council which will safeguard that our streets will be cleaned, grass cut and maintenance performed, ensuring a green, clean and safe environment.’