‘THE Friends Garden’ will remain closed to the public because of another delay in the transfer of ownership of the space to Melksham Town Council.
Ownership of the community space – located behind the former spiritualist church on King Street – was due to be handed over from the trustees of the former church to the town council.
In January, it was reported that the town council had instructed their solicitors to proceed with the transfer agreement in early December last year, and that once effected, the community space would be made open to the public by the town council.
However, the town council’s solicitor has told the council that there will be a delay in the transfer of ownership as one of the church’s trustees has died.
According to the town council, a new trustee will have to be appointed before the transfer can be completed.
“No time frame has been provided by the solicitors acting for the trustees,” said a spokesperson for the town council.
Ownership of the Friends Garden has been at the centre of discussions between the town council and the trustees of the former spiritualist church since 2012.
The garden is intended to be a community space that can be enjoyed and used by residents for ‘quiet contemplation’.
