Country park may be handed to town

The Borough Lands charity owns a swathe of land between the town and Mortimore's Wood to the east, leading down to the River Avon and plans are afoot to use the 25 acres of land to create a public resource for the town.

But the Borough Lands' chairman Kevin Dobson said the project is still in its infancy, and the charity is waiting to hear from the Charity Commission exactly what they might be allowed to use the land for.

Strict charity rules mean the land cannot be used for a commercial purpose, but it is possible it could be transformed into a country park.

The land has been owned by the Borough Lands for hundreds of years, being part of the original endowment to the town. It is crossed by the North Wiltshire Rivers Route cycleway as well as the river.

Borough Lands also owns the Westmead playing fields, which are leased to the town council, but it is possible the town council may not require them once the new playing fields are open, so the land could be part of the project.

"We have started talking to the town council to see what their views are on the possible country park, as we might ask them, or another body, to run it once it was up and running," said Mr Dobson.

The Borough Lands has begun investigating the topography and soil conditions in the river valley, as well as the frequency of flooding.

Once the Charity Commission has reported back, the Borough Lands will begin a consultation process with organisations and residents.

Initial ideas would include some landscaping and paths, but retaining the natural feel of the area.

The land had been leased to a farmer but is currently standing vacant.

Martin Singlehurst of campaigners River Valley Protection Group, said: "Visitors would be able to use it to gain access to the North Wiltshire Rivers Route, and enjoy the connection through to Lacock and beyond."

He said country park status would offer the land extra protection against development.