Volunteers form committee to save Market Place wells

VOLUNTEERS from the Melksham community have put themselves forward to form a committee to explore how to commemorate the Market Place wells.

Hosted by the Mayor of Melksham, cllr Adrienne Westbrook, a meeting at the town hall last week saw 22 people from the Melksham community gather to discuss what should be done to save the two wells in the Market Place. “It was a wonderful  meeting, full of positive ways forward,” said cllr Westbrook.

“It was great to see so many new faces. We had 22 people come along who were genuinely interested in doing something to commemorate the well.

“Everyone is very passionate about the history of Melksham and the wells, and really want to find out more. From the meeting we now have 11 people who have put their names forward to form a committee.”

The meeting was also attended by representatives from Wiltshire Council who announced that until the new committee is in a position to move ahead with their plans to commemorate the wells, the site of both wells will be marked with engraved paving stones.

“Everyone was genuinely surprised by Wiltshire Council’s announcement. They asked the people at the meeting to submit ideas for what the engraving should say on the paving stones.

“Two ideas have been suggested; ‘This is the site of the Melksham Town Pump, put up by public subscription in 1789’ and ‘This well was discovered during the town square improvements in 2017’. Both suggestions have been sent to the Melksham Historical Society and Wiltshire Council for consideration.”

The next meeting about the wells, hosted by cllr Westbrook, will be on Tuesday 19th September at 7.30pm in the town hall.

“Moving forward, at the next meeting we will try to officially form the committee. Next we will need to get into motion things like the architects and historical reports, before exploring fundraising ideas. This will be a long project, but it’s great that the community wants to get involved and do something about it. The town council will continue to help, advise and support the group wherever needed.”

Anyone interested in contributing, is welcome to attend the next meeting.