Melksham Town Council has agreed a significant investment package and next steps to improve play areas across the town, following site visits and a detailed review by councillors.
At its Full Council meeting on Monday, 27 April 2026, councillors unanimously approved the carry‑forward of £53,000 from the 2025/26 play area budget, to be added to the £100,000 already allocated for 2026/27, creating a total refurbishment budget of £153,000.
Building on recent play area tours and a report presented to members, councillors reviewed priorities across multiple sites and considered factors such as condition, ownership, delivery options, accessibility, and potential grant funding.
As part of the agreed resolution, councillors confirmed that:
- Dunch Lane and Riverside play areas will be the highest priority, with the Council proceeding to tender for the work
- Fencing repairs at Speedwell Close are authorised, provided costs remain below £10,000, with any higher costs referred to the Full Council
- Targeted improvements at Hazelwood play area, excluding the Multi‑Use Games Area, are authorised to be carried out by the Council’s Amenities Team, up to £5,000
- Officers will seek costings and ideas for improvements at all remaining play areas, with any remaining funds from the 2026/27 budget directed towards other play areas across the town, subject to agreed proposals
The agreed approach allows the Council to deliver priority refurbishments this year, while ensuring further improvements can be progressed as funding allows.
Further updates will be shared as tendering progresses and additional works are developed.
Councillor Adrienne Westbrook, said
“I am absolutely delighted that yesterday Melksham Town Council unanimously decided to spend £150K on refurbishing the first tranche of our parks. Sadly, over the last few years, the parks have been allowed to deteriorate. Outdoor Play is so important to the physical and mental development of young children, and as chair of the Amenities Committee, I am thrilled that this generation of children in Melksham will have play areas that are fit for purpose.”