Car park work begins at Shurnhold Fields

Work to install flood prevention measures and a car park at Shurnhold Fields has begun.

Wiltshire Council’s contractor, MGroup, is carrying out the works at Shurnhold Fields, a popular green space off Dunch Lane.

The work, which started on 17th November, is expected to take five weeks.

The project includes flood prevention measures for Dunch Lane residents, funded by a £90,000 grant from the Environment Agency.

The work to create a car park is being carried out on behalf of Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council, which jointly own the site and will each contribute £12,500 towards the project.

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

Earlier this year, the Friends of Shurnhold Fields – a volunteer group that helps maintain the site – launched a Facebook poll to gauge public opinion, with 83% of residents voting against the car park and 17% in favour.

Shurnhold Fields, also known as the town’s ‘mini country park’, was originally the playing fields attached to George Ward School and was transferred by Persimmon Homes to the two councils after the completion of the George Ward housing development.

A joint statement issued by the town and parish councils in May said it had been agreed from the outset that a car park would be installed at some point to make the space fully accessible to all residents.

The statement added, “For several reasons, it was agreed that the work on the car park and access improvements and the flood prevention measures would be best combined as one project. This allows the work to be completed together, limiting the impact and timescales of two simultaneous projects and restricting public access to a smaller area for a shorter period.”

As well as the flood prevention, car park and improved highway works, a shed and water supply will be provided for the Friends of Shurnhold Fields.