Ground investigations have started on the former golf course at Bowerhill as Wiltshire Council pushes forward with its £37million plan to build a new depot on the land and the neighbouring former Christie Miller site.
The works, which began on 15th September, include grass cutting, perimeter fencing and utility surveys. They are expected to take a couple of weeks to complete. The public are reminded that there is no access to the site at any time.
The Christie Miller Sports Centre, which stood next to the golf course, closed in October 2018 after the council decided against spending the £1million needed to make the building safe.
The ground investigations are a key step in understanding the site’s conditions. They include excavation trenches and probe surveys.
Wiltshire Council approved the depot plans in 2023, as part of its wider Depot Strategy. Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Martin Smith, said, “The site at the former Melksham golf course and Christie Miller site is being considered as part of this strategy. While no formal planning application has been submitted at this stage, preparatory work including ground investigations is underway to inform any future application. As with all developments of this nature, a full planning process will be followed in due course.”
Earlier this year, some residents raised concerns about potential radiation at the site, following confirmation that contractors detected dose rates slightly above normal UK background levels. Council officials have said there is no elevated risk to the public.
Cllr Smith added, “We know that there have been some local concerns about potential radiation on the site; however, the levels of radiation we have found are low. If a person was to sit for one hour every week for a whole year in the spot with the highest levels, they would get the same radiation exposure as having a single dental x-ray. If any contaminated material is found on the site, it will be removed and disposed of safely.”
“Some local people have been using the site for leisure activities recently, but now that we have installed additional fencing and are using heavy machinery, people should not attempt to access the site as it is dangerous to do so.
“The ground investigations work will ensure that we fully understand the site conditions before any construction begins, helping us to deliver a safe, sustainable and efficient depot that supports our long-term service goals.”
To find out more about the project, visit https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/melksham-depot
Pictured: Former Christie Miller site
So, a one-hour dose of radiation per day equates to one x-ray per year. So, 24 hours equals 24 X-rays per year which seems high to me ?