Town Council responds to Splashpad criticism

MELKSHAM Town Council has hit back at criticism of their plans for a splashpad in King George V Playing Field.

In a statement, the council says, “The Town Council has been made aware of some concerns expressed by a very small number of people about their exciting and ambitious plans to invest in improving the facilities at the town’s King George V Playing Fields, and especially the planned installation of a Splashpad this summer.

“Discussions concerning a splashpad and proposed changes to King George V Playing Field were first started by council in November 2015 when it became known that the existing paddling pool was no longer viable. At this stage, the council agreed to explore alternative options for water play within the King George V Playing Field. 

“In addition to the Town Council’s research and diligence into the suitability of the Splashpad the public has had opportunity, through the King George V Playing Fields Consultations, throughout 2018 to express their opinions on the proposals. Opportunities have also been available to suggest other additional enhancements that people would like to see within the park to ensure it meets the needs of the wider community. 

“Consultations were held throughout the town, including within the park itself, local supermarkets, schools and local groups aimed at reaching the most people possible. During this consultation process the council received hundreds of responses from local residents expressing support for the proposals and a range of additional suggestions for creating a vibrant and welcoming facility that would offer something for people of all ages.

“Following discussion and careful consideration of the outcomes of the consultation process, the Town Council voted in October 2018 to allocate £501,000 of reserves to the overall enhancement of King George V Playing Fields. No councillor voted against these plans and only one councillor abstained.

“The first phase of these improvement works will be the installation of the exciting Spashpad facility which the council plans will be open in time for the summer holidays. Additional improvements planned include the introduction of a ‘trim-trail’, improved pathways and play equipment, enhancements to the Pavilion to provide a café, the reopening of the Bath Road public toilets previously closed by Wiltshire Council, a sensory garden area, a nature and wildlife area and the addition of an informal sports area which could include outdoor table tennis, basketball hoops etc.

“As part of the formal procurement process for the installation of the Splashpad feature, a tendering process has been undertaken and the preferred bidder has now been appointed to undertake the works.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, Melksham Town Council confirm that all due processes have been followed in the decision to install a Splashpad, and that although there are a few people within the community who are not in support of the idea, it has been welcomed by the vast majority. 

“We are excited about the wider opportunity that the development of King George V Playing Fields represents, and hope that once all improvements are completed, the benefit to the wider community will be significant. The Splashpad is simply the first stage of the Town Council’s commitment to invest in its community and in King George V Playing Fields.”