Two Melksham play areas set for major upgrades

New play equipment is set to be installed at two Melksham play areas as part of plans to transform the spaces at Dunch Lane and Riverside Drive.

The play areas will both receive new equipment through a £120,000 investment from Melksham Town Council.

The scheme will see new equipment installed at both sites, with some existing equipment also retained and improved.

At Riverside, plans include a new zip wire, giant rope swing, net pyramid, clamber unit and basket swing. The existing swing, hopper and slide will also be repainted.

Dunch Lane will get new equipment including a low-level trail, trampoline, multiplay unit, inclusive roundabout, seesaw and basket swing. The existing roundabout and springer will remain.

The improvements follow a public consultation in which residents were invited to view the proposed designs and give their feedback.

Councillors approved the appointment of the preferred supplier, Dragon Play & Sports, to deliver the scheme following a formal procurement process.

Cllr Adrienne Westbrook said, “I am delighted that Melksham Town Council agreed the contractor who will carry out the first phase of our commitment to upgrading our parks. For too long neighbourhood parks have been left without investment in play equipment. I look forward to seeing children using these areas.”

Cllr Phil Alford said, “I am delighted that we have now agreed these replacement parks but it is incredibly frustrating that it has taken so many years to get here. The money has been in place but getting the council to take action has been a long and painful process.

“It was also bizarre that when it did finally come to full council for approval that we were expected to agree the £120,000 spend but without seeing the parks we were being asked to fund first. Even that was difficult, but it’s finally done now so hopefully next spring these parks will be in place, open and being enjoyed by children and families in the north of the town.”

The work forms part of the wider programme of improvements to Melksham’s play areas, with Dunch Lane and Riverside previously identified as the highest priorities for investment.

The council will now work with the supplier to finalise the project, with installation dates and further updates to be announced.