As a consequence of a county wide review of all play areas owned by Wiltshire Council, the old play equipment in the Clarkes Leaze Play Area was removed and the land reseeded. Provided nothing else changed Wiltshire Council undertook to maintain the whole area as amenity grass for general play and recreation, but that if the Parish Council had alternative uses in mind, then the cost of the future upkeep of the whole area would fall on the Parish Council.
Wiltshire Council, who own the land, has now approached all the Town and Parish Councils where similar areas are sited, to determine whether they wish to acquire the freehold of the land together with a financial settlement to compensate for the cost of future upkeep.
There are two immediate benefits that make the offer attractive; firstly, the land becomes the property of the village and secondly, the financial settlement will enable the grass to be maintained to a much higher standard.
Other than possibly installing protective bollards to prevent unauthorised vehicular access, there are no plans to do anything other than keep the land as a general amenity and play area. We remain committed to conducting a village wide consultation if any alternative uses are to be considered.
Things have moved forward since the September Parish Council meeting and in order to comply with the set timetable, we have now formally expressed our interest in Wiltshire Council’s offer and need to confirm this by the end of October. It is anticipated that after due consultation by them, the transfer will be completed by the end of March 2025.
