Residents of Dunch Lane have objected to a proposed new car park at Shurnhold Fields, citing concerns about the impact it will have on the area.
Shurnhold Fields, located off Dunch Lane, is known as the town’s ‘mini country park’. It is jointly owned by Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council, and a car park has long been part of the councils’ vision to improve access to the popular green space.
However, residents have expressed frustration over the plans, arguing that a car park could lead to increased anti-social behaviour, barbecues, litter, loud parties, traffic and motorbikes in the area.
The Friends of Shurnhold Fields – a volunteer group that helps maintain the site – recently launched a Facebook poll to gauge public opinion.
Of the 87 people who took part, 83% voted against the plans, while 17% were in favour. The car park is being delivered by Wiltshire Council on behalf of the local councils.
To share their concerns, residents turned out in force to a public meeting at the town hall on 12th May, where they expected to view the plans and speak with Wiltshire Council representatives and engineers, as advertised by Melksham Town Council.
However, residents said they were left ‘extremely unhappy’ after finding that no council representatives or engineers were available to answer questions directly.
“They had someone there giving emails out so the residents could send in their queries,” said one resident, Donna Hambly. “People attended to air their concerns and not be given a QR code. Most residents do not want this car park. We do not want to send in our complaints for them to be ignored.
“I am extremely unhappy that people who, rarely if ever, have walked there won’t talk to residents and can make these decisions without consulting people who live there.”
Other residents have expressed their frustration on social media.
One resident wrote, “A lot of people are both anxious and furious at the way this is panning out. Many of us have been given the impression that [the council] are going to steamroll without any consultation, which is a fair description of how it’s proceeded so far. Most of the people who attended were there to object it.”
Another resident said people had ‘significant’ concerns about access for caravans and illegal encampments, as well as the storage of machinery used by The Friends of Shurnhold Fields.
“Every resident in attendance at the meeting was against a car park being put in. Not least because of the recent garage and vehicle break-ins on the George Ward Gardens estate and surrounding areas. Having such equipment stored in an open car park without a gate seems irresponsible.”
However, following the residents’ concerns, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Council said, “It is our understanding that it was the town council that weren’t in attendance and our officer advised the residents to email them with any further queries.”
Melksham News has also contacted Melksham Town Council to confirm whether any town council representatives were present however, Melksham Town Council has failed to respond.
As part of the proposed works, Wiltshire Council will also be installing flood defences at the site, funded by a £90,000 grant from the Environment Agency.
