Mayor looks ahead to an exciting year for Melksham

Mayor Terri Welch sang the praises of the Melksham community as she reflected on a successful year and looked forward to an exciting year ahead during her speech at the town’s civic awards ceremony last week.

The next couple of years will see the town change considerably, she said, with new leisure facilities planned, the canal project through the town getting the green light and Market Place being re-developed.

“This past year has seen many changes, and certainly the next couple of years will see our town change significantly,” she said.

“The rugby and football clubs will be able to move to the purpose-built site at Woolmore Farm; the date of completion date for this is August this year. Work will start later this year in the Market Place, making the new access to the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Melksham House. Once the rugby and football clubs are able to relocate to their new homes at the end of the season, then work will start on the new leisure facilities at Melksham House; construction is expected to start early next year.

“The town council is looking into possibly relocating the Assembly Hall to the Melksham House site and if all goes well, Melksham will have superb facilities for the future.

“Our town council works hard to enhance Melksham, and to provide for all inhabitants. An example of this is the summer flowers.  Again we received a Silver Gilt in the South West in Bloom competition. The mild weather in the autumn meant that flowers continued to bloom  late into the year.

“The town council also provides a grant to the Christmas Lights Group who provide our superb Christmas lights display.  A big thanks is due to Paul Weymouth and his merry gang of volunteers who are out in all weathers putting up the lights. On a personal note, thank you for the invitation to help choose the town’s Christmas tree at Longleat, I enjoyed the experience.

“Paul was also responsible for the projection of the poppy on the Town Hall in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day.  He was also responsible for illuminating the Town Hall with the Tricolour colours in solidarity with our French twinning town, Avon, after the events in Paris.

“Melksham is proud to host a series of events that are enjoyed by large numbers. The Christmas Fayre, which leads to the lights switch-on is a massive town event. The Carnival and Party in the Park, together with the Food and River Festival are all, rightly, very popular.

“Then we have the superb offering of comedians, films and other entertainment which take place here at the Assembly Hall.

“This year, we are joining in the national celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday by holding a picnic in the park on 12th June.  Let’s hope the sun is out for us that day!

“Changes have taken place in our town; the final opening of the Link Road leading to the new Herman Miller factory has eased traffic in the Bowerhill area. The pavilion and playing fields in Bowerhill are a credit to the tenacity of Melksham Without Parish Council.

“In town, we have very few empty shops and our restaurants are soon to be expanded with another Italian opening soon, joining the Malaysian restaurant which has opened recently.  Two other premises have plans for refurbishment also.

“Our town benefits from civic-minded citizens. There are over 220 volunteers who regularly litter pick and help with planting donated plants in Melksham, to enhance our town centre. The ‘Litter Ninjas’ from the Oak School and youngsters attending the Canberra, also do their bit. Last weekend saw, ‘Clean for the Queen.’ Over 100 people were involved in this event across the Melksham area, including other groups, cleaning their own local areas.

“The ‘Best Looking Business’ generates competition among local shops to win the seasonal trophy, all adding to the town scene for the benefit of everybody.

“We all realise that Wiltshire Council has severe budget restrictions and the town council is working with them to take over some of the services that affect our town. This will increase with time, so changes will happen.

“These last few months has seen a small group of people sorting and delivering clothes and household effects for refugees. The amount of clothing donated by local people was amazing, and we should all be proud of what our town has achieved.

“It looks very much that we will soon be seeing movement in the plans for the  Wilts and Berks Canal. All studies are now in the hands of the planning department at Wiltshire Council, then follows a secondary consultation period of eight weeks. If all goes according to plan, the application should be determined in May. This will have a large impact on our town, and we look forward to seeing boats along the river.

“Another major incomer we look forward to is the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. I do not know the dates of their construction plans but they already have outline planning permission. So much is due to change in the Berryfield area.

“The town council supports groups by the annual award of grants. This acknowledges the superb work done by the voluntary sector in our town.

“With the support of the town council and the Local Youth Network, ‘Young Melksham’ organise the annual ‘Youth Awards.’ This special event recognises young people and their achievements.

“Mention must be made of our councillors who try hard to make the right decisions for our town, to the town hall staff, our town caretakers and the staff of this Assembly Hall for their work throughout the year. Especially I would like to thank them for the work they have done to make this event a success. No doubt you have noticed the lighting as you entered, a big thank you to Paul Weymouth for his enthusiasm and hard work. We know he enjoys the results, but we need to let him know that we appreciate his work.”