A MAYPOLE will not be installed in the town, following a town council consultation that showed people would not use it.
The town council sent a survey to 150 local groups and five schools in Melksham to ask if they would use a maypole if one was purchased for the Market Place or local parks. It followed a proposal last year by cllrs Sue Mortimer and Pat Aves, to purchase one for use at community events.
A maypole is a painted round pole, which people traditionally dance around on May Day, holding long ribbons that are attached to the top of the pole. It was due to cost over £600.
At a meeting of the town council’s community development committee, held on Monday 23rd January, councillors heard that installing a maypole is not a popular idea. However, they discussed that Aloeric Primary School has its own maypole.
Councillor Pat Aves said, “There is a lack of enthusiasm from people wanting to use this, so I suggest we cancel these plans and instead we ask officers to approach Aloeric School and ask to borrow their maypole at events. This might inspire some enthusiasm.”
The community engagement officer and communications and events officer will now approach Aloeric Primary School regarding holding a maypole event at the town’s celebrations for the King’s Coronation, on Saturday 6th May.
