Joint Statement on Shurnhold Fields Projects

Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council have released a joint statement detailing planned works at Shurnhold Fields, including flood prevention measures, the installation of a car park, and a maintenance shed for volunteers.

The statement outlines the history of Shurnhold Fields, the rationale for the car park and bund to alleviate flooding risks to nearby properties, and addresses concerns raised by residents and the Friends of Shurnhold Fields volunteer group. Key topics include accessibility, community consultation, the proposed bund’s height and impact, and the location and security of the planned shed.

Residents raised strong concerns about increased traffic, antisocial behaviour, and the loss of green space due to the car park, while supporting flood alleviation works in principle. The councils responded by clarifying planning processes, design considerations, and maintenance responsibilities.

The full document, including all questions and responses, can be downloaded below:

➡️ Download: Joint Statement on Shurnhold Fields (May 2025)

Help shape the future of EV charging in Wiltshire 

As more people in Wiltshire make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), Wiltshire Council is working to expand our public charging network.

We’re asking residents to suggest locations for new public chargepoints across the county. Whether it’s a local high street, village hall, or a community car park, their input will help us identify where demand is the highest.

To make it easy, Wiltshire Council has created an interactive map where people can drop a pin on their suggested location. People’s feedback will directly inform where the council installs future charge points on public streets, in council car parks and at community buildings.

Please share this information with your communities and encourage them to take part.

Find out more about EV charging and suggest a location in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council has announced that bookings are now open for its Summer 2025 FUEL programme, offering children and young people free access to exciting activities across the county. Running from 28 July, the camps will be held at multiple locations including Salisbury, Chippenham, Trowbridge, and Royal Wootton Bassett, among others.

Activities range from science and technology, creative arts, outdoor pursuits, dance, gymnastics, sports, skateboarding, and animal care, with a nutritious hot meal provided daily. The programme focuses on Food, Unity, Energy, and Laughter, supporting children to keep fit, have fun, and develop new life skills.

For more information and bookings, visit Wiltshire Council’s FUEL programme website.

🗳️ Referendum on Joint Melksham Neighbourhood Plan 2 – 31st July 2025

Residents of Melksham and Melksham Without are being called to vote in a local referendum on Thursday 31st July 2025 on the Joint Melksham Neighbourhood Plan 2.

The referendum asks:
“Do you want Wiltshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Melksham to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

All eligible voters in the designated area can take part, and the process will run just like a local election.

To vote, you must be registered by midnight on Tuesday 15th July. Postal vote and proxy vote applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 16th July, and voter ID applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 23rd July.

This is a chance for local people to help shape the future of planning and development in Melksham.

📄 You can view or download the full Notice of Referendum here.
More information and documents are available at: https://elections.wiltshire.gov.uk/Home/Upcoming/None 

Referendum on the Joint Melksham Neighbourhood Plan 2 – 31st July 2025

Residents in the Melksham area will soon have the opportunity to vote on the future of local planning. A referendum on the Joint Melksham Neighbourhood Plan 2 is scheduled to take place on Thursday 31st July 2025.

This is an important step in the neighbourhood planning process, allowing local people to decide whether they want Wiltshire Council to use the updated plan when making planning decisions in the area.

The referendum will be run in the same way as a local election, and all registered voters living in the designated Melksham Neighbourhood Area will be eligible to vote.

Key documents, including the final plan and examiner’s report, can be viewed in person at several local venues — including Melksham Community Campus, the Town Hall, and Sprockets Coffee in Whitley — or online via Wiltshire Council’s website.

We encourage all eligible residents to read through the documents and take part in this important vote, which will help shape the future development of Melksham.

For more information, you can download the Information Statement here.

For full details, visit: Wiltshire Council – Neighbourhood Planning News