Town Council reveals how solar farm money has been spent

MELKSHAM Town Council has published how they have spent the community fund given to them as part of the Sandridge Solar Farm agreement. The statement was made in response to questions online about where the promised money has been spent.

With tension running high in the town about the Market Place development and the lack of plans to make a feature of the historic well, Melksham locals have taken to Facebook to ask where over £34,000, given to the town council by Sandridge Solar Power Limited, has gone.

“Just wondering if any of our new town councillors can tell us what this year’s £44,000 payment from the owners of the solar farm is being spent on?” quizzed one local on the Sham Shout-outs Facebook page.

“Maybe that could have repaired the paddling pool or restored the town well, but we should have at least something to show.”

The Sandridge Solar Farm, which is roughly the size of 100 football pitches  opened in June last year and as part of the agreement for the installation, a community fund of £44,000 per year for the 25-year lifetime of the project was established.

The first payment of £44,000 from Sandridge Solar Power Limited was shared with the parish councils of Melksham Without, Bromham, Seend and Rowde, with Melksham Town Council receiving £34,245.14.

In response to the questioning online, Melksham Town Council has published a detailed report, outlining all the local community projects that have benefited from the money.

Explaining how the £34,245.14 has been spent, town clerk Steve Gray said,“£13,316 has been used to part-fund the replacement of the derelict paddling pool in King George V Park, closed by Wiltshire Council, with a new toddler play facility.

“£6,359.04 has been used to supplement the monthly grass cutting of King George V Park and the cemetery, such that the grass in these key important community amenity areas within the town is cut on a fortnightly basis.

“£9,750 has been assigned to replace the three bus shelters in a very poor condition at Beanacre Road opposite Nortree Motors, Beanacre Road close to McDonalds, and New Broughton Road, with new facilities; and £5,000 has been assigned to accrue a financial contribution to fund the provision of a new splash pad water play facility in King George V park.”

“The town council is committed to spending this money on goods or services for the environmental, social or economic benefit of the community,” explained Mayor of Melksham, cllr Adrienne Westbrook. This money has been assigned to good effect in financing important initiatives within the town that would otherwise have to be funded through the precept.

“We will keep a public record of any further monies received under the terms of this agreement and detail how they are to be spent, and this will be available to view on the town council’s website and  be publicised through the press and social media”