A big turn out is expected at this evening’s (Wednesday) Area Board meeting as changes to the plans for Melksham Health and Wellbeing Centre – formerly known as the campus – will be unveiled.
Significant cuts to the leisure facilities have already been announced but the exact details will only be revealed at the meeting.
But one victim of the cutbacks will be the indoor bowls club which won’t be included in the new development.
However, there may be a glimmer of hope for local bowlers. A notice displayed at Christie Miller says that, following a meeting with the bowls club management committee, Wiltshire Council is looking at the possibility of refurbishing the current bowls hall to include six rinks, together with catering and bar facilities. The centre, Melksham Independent News understands, would then be handed over to the bowls club to run themselves.
A spokesperson for the club said, “We are of course very disappointed and although there has been a lot of talk of the indoor bowls club being under threat in the past, it is still a shock to hear it confirmed.
“If we can stay at Christie Miller then that would solve the problem but we’ll have to wait and see if that is possible. We were told that a large amount of money had been spent on the football and rugby facilities so they had to prioritise what would be included. We have put a notice up and a lot of the members are quite upset. It will affect a lot of people. ”
Despite months of speculation about the future of the indoor bowls rink, up until now Wiltshire Council has failed to confirm or deny the rumours, saying, “The bowls rink has been integral in designs.”
It has also been suggested that a climbing wall will not be included and that space allocated for the GP surgery will be reduced.
Jonathon Seed, chair of Melksham Area Board said, “We have worked hard with our partners and the community project group to get to this point and we look forward to updating residents on the plans.
“We’re determined to provide a centre that will be a focal point for the community for generations to come.”
John Thomson, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing centres said, “Local residents attending this meeting will hear about the investment to provide a local health and wellbeing centre and what this will offer. Melksham will benefit from investment of more than £23million and there will also be a huge benefit to local clubs and groups.”
The Area Board meeting takes place at Melksham United Church on Wednesday 24th February with refreshments served at 6.30pm and the meeting starting at 7.00pm.
