Good news imminent about new community space?

THERE could be good news on the horizon for residents waiting for news about when ‘The Friends Garden’ will be opened to the public. 

The community space – located behind the former spiritualist church on King Street – has been at the centre of discussions between the town council and the trustees of the former spiritualist church, who own the space, since 2012. In the last issue of Melksham News, residents questioned why there had been no update from the town council about opening the garden – which is intended to be a community space that can be enjoyed and used for ‘quiet contemplation’ – since the news in March last year that they had agreed in principle to take on ownership.

In a response to one concerned resident, the town council has explained that a delay was caused by a condition in the transfer agreement – between the council and the trustees of the spiritualist church – that defined the space as a ‘memorial garden’ and confusion about what this meant. However, it has since been clarified by the town council’s solicitors that a memorial garden is a ‘place of remembrance’ and should not be used for any noisy activities or activities that could result in damage to the garden.

With the understanding that the Friends Garden can be used for residents to sit and eat their own food, or for ‘small drinks receptions’, the town council has said they instructed their solicitors to proceed with the transfer agreement in early December.

A spokesperson for the town council told Melksham News, “Responsibility for opening the garden to the public will be assumed by Melksham Town Council once the transfer from the trustees to the council has been effected. The transfer document has been signed on behalf of Melksham Town Council and returned to the town council’s solicitors.”

Melksham News has asked the town council if there is an estimated timescale for when the garden will be open to the public. At the time of going to print, no response had been received.