Car park opens at Shurnhold Fields

A new car park is now open at Shurnhold Fields, with work to install flood prevention measures also complete.

The mini country park-style public open space, located off Dunch Lane, includes seating areas, a World War I memorial wood, an orchard of Wiltshire heritage fruit trees and public rights of way connecting the site.

The site is jointly owned by Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council, both of which contributed to the car park scheme. The fields are supported by the volunteer group, the Friends of Shurnhold Fields

A flood prevention bund has been installed along the boundary of the site, as part of a wider scheme led by Wiltshire Council and supported by Environment Agency funding. The measures are designed to reduce the risk of surface water flooding to neighbouring properties on Dunch Lane.

Residents previously raised concerns over the car park plans, arguing that it could lead to increased anti-social behaviour, litter, loud parties and more traffic in the area.

A joint statement issued by Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council said, “As part of the completion of the works, a section of the site remains temporarily cordoned off. This area has been left to allow the land to recover following construction activity and will be re-seeded at an appropriate time later in the year, when ground conditions are more suitable.

“Further elements of the project are still to be completed. A water supply connection for the Friends of Shurnhold Fields volunteer group is planned, which will support their ongoing maintenance and stewardship of the site. This connection will require a temporary road closure on Dunch Lane and is scheduled to take place later in the year, with advance notice to residents.

“The councils would like to thank residents for their patience during the works and to recognise the continued efforts of the Friends of Shurnhold Fields. Together, these improvements will help ensure that Shurnhold Fields remains a well-managed, accessible and environmentally valuable space for the whole community.”