Have your say on how to improve Melksham

PLANS are taking shape for Melksham’s future and local people are invited to have their say on how they think the town should be developed.

The vision for the area will be unveiled at the town hall this weekend in a public exhibition on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd July.

Put together by Melksham’s Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, the vision statement looks to control future house building and make sure the town has the right facilities for its growing population.

It comes as over 1,600 houses – more than ten years’ worth – are being built or planned in the Melksham area, with more expected in  the coming years.

Group spokesperson Nick Westbrook said, “We want to create a community that is a great place to live, work, play and to visit.

“Our vision for Melksham and Melksham Without aims to make sure  local housing, business, health, education, retail and transport needs are met in an integrated and environmentally sustainable way.”

The vision statement, in its first draft, looks ahead between now and 2026. The vision is supported by both Melksham Town and Melksham Without councils and, after local people have had their say, it will be used to form a neighbourhood plan which can be used to control planning and building.

Nick Westbrook continued, “Melksham’s problem is that housing is already being built, but there aren’t enough work spaces or community and health facilities.

“We may not be able to stop new building but we can say how many and where they are built. We also hope to make space for new job opportunities, health services, community halls, play areas and open spaces, whilst improving roads, parking and public transport.”

People are invited to look at and comment on the plans at Melksham Town Hall from 4.30pm to 7.30pm on Friday 1st July, and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 2nd.

For more information about the neighbourhood plan go to www.melkshamneighbourhoodplan.org