THERE has been a mixed reaction from the community about the news that a safari animal trail and a pop-up green space, both using artificial grass, will be coming to Melksham this summer.
Whilst some residents have welcomed the plans for the new attractions, describing them as a ‘fantastic’ way to bring people into the town, and something for children to enjoy; others have criticised the use of artificial grass, highlighting its potential impact on the environment.
The new temporary attractions – which also includes lamp post banners that will be placed along the town boundaries to promote Melksham and the upcoming Climate Fest in mid-September – have been made possible by a £10,000 grant allocated to Melksham by Wiltshire Council. The money has come from the government’s ‘welcome back fund,’ which is designed to support the safe return of local people to the town following the Covid pandemic.
“We have ‘real’ green spaces in Melksham that need improvement,” said local gardener Kathy Iles. “Why are you [the town council] introducing artificial green spaces and plastic?! I like the idea in principle, but why can’t it be real?”
Local person Sam Geddes said, “Sounds absolutely magical, but artificial grass! Crazy expense and extremely unfriendly to the environment.”
“That £10k would be better spent fixing the park, getting the pavilion fixed for a cafe space and loos!” said one resident. “The children will like the animals, but it’s a huge amount of money for essentially a very short-term activity.”
Another resident added, “I’m utterly disgusted, I know this is happening across the country – a cynical and underhanded marketing technique by plastic grass manufacturers.”
In support of the plans, Brenda Coupland Harte said, “A great idea. Let’s hope it’s a roaring success! If it’s anything like the trails in Bath it will be good.”
“Fantastic idea,” said Jess Dennis. “[It’s] one way of bringing people in and helping the small businesses out. The children love it – can’t wait to spot these out. Change is a good thing.”
The plans were approved by Melksham Town Council last month, who were told that the £10,000 grant was ringfenced for a project to welcome people back to the high street and could not be spent on other uses in the town. The majority of councillors voted in favour of the plans, with some airing their concerns about the use of artificial grass.
In response to the mixed reaction, mayor cllr Simon Crundell told Melksham News, “The issue of the use of artificial grass was one that we raised when discussing the idea as a council. It’s not something that we like, and I personally have a strong aversion to the concept of artificial grass.
“However, the organisation has assured us that there is a zero-landfill policy whereby the grass will be reused multiple times over 10 years before being recycled. Our hope is that these attractions will provide families with a cheap, active holiday activity to entertain young families over the summer.”
Company’s
response
City Dressing, the company tasked by Wiltshire Council to bring these ideas to life, has also explained that they only purchase artificial grass that can be recycled, reused or upcycled; and that the ‘grass’ purchased is made of 90% recycled material.
A spokesperson said, “Pop-up parks are designed to repurpose places for community use. They take space that is normally used for parking or vehicle access and transform it into a green space encouraging more people to use local amenities and allowing communities to meet outdoors. This reduces travel, protects communities, supports mental health and protects the environment.
“Artificial grass has a reputation for being non environmental. Most of the reason for this is when it replaces real lawn it replaces a natural carbon store. City Dressing would never lay artificial grass over an existing lawn.
“We have looked into laying real turf but it is not possible as the energy needed to transport, lay, maintain and store would increase the environmental impact.”
The safari animal trail will involve eight to 10 large animal shapes covered in green artificial grass positioned along a trail, which will encourage walking and cycling through Melksham’s green areas throughout August and September.
A location is yet to be confirmed for the pop-up green space – which has been likened to the pop-up park in Bath’s Southgate shopping venue.
