Public advised to ‘take care’ – but then Melksham House lights go on!

AFTER failing to deliver on their promise to repair lighting in the grounds of Melksham House last month, Wiltshire Council were advising the public to ‘take care’ whilst walking in  the area at night.

The council had originally said that the lights would be repaired and operational by Friday 8th November. However, almost one month on, there was no sign of relief for car park users and Avon Bowls Club members who have had to navigate the area in darkness for months.

Wiltshire Council told Melksham News that engineers were working on a solution and hoped to have the situation resolved “as soon as possible.”

In response, local resident and Avon Bowls Club member, Pauline Baker, who has persistently raised the issue of public safety with the council said, “They are asking people to take care? Really?  Where is the notice asking them to do any such thing?  It’s too dark to read any ruddy notice they put up unless of course they install a candle! 

“Now there’s an idea!  A box of candles and a box of matches just inside the ground’s gate and invite people to help themselves!”  

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson then said, “We apologise that there is still a lighting issue at the Melksham House site. Our engineers are working on a solution as it’s a little more complicated than first thought. We ask that people take care on the site and we hope to resolve the situation as soon as possible.”

After Melksham News had followed up the story, the lights suddenly came into operation this week. The news was welcomed by users of the road including bowls club members and families who take young children to the Blue Pool.