BRADFORD-on-Avon has taken control of a number of its services and assets, such as responsibility for open spaces. 

It will allow the town council to enable the community to have more say in how their services are run, and will give the town responsbility for grounds maintenance, such as grass cutting.

It will also taking over several buildings, allotments, play areas, the town market, and cemeteries.

The transfer gives the town council autonomy to manage these services and facilities as it sees fit, without any input from Wiltshire Council.

This Is Wiltshire: Bradford on Avon Mayor, Cllr Sarah Gibson with Cllr Kevin Daley at Barton Farm Country ParkBradford on Avon Mayor, Cllr Sarah Gibson with Cllr Kevin Daley at Barton Farm Country Park

Similar transfers have already taken place in Chippenham, Salisbury and other towns around the county.

Councillor Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Asset Transfers, said: “We’re delighted to be handing these services and assets to Bradford on Avon Town Council.

“This transfer will enable the local community and its assets to be more resilient and will give the town more say in how these services and facilities run, to ensure they are sustainable in the long-term."

Town Mayor, Cllr Sarah Gibson said: “This is fantastic news for residents as the town council progresses with ambitious plans for Bradford on Avon.

“Community Asset Transfer has been a lengthy process, but it has been great to work with Wiltshire Council to deliver a positive outcome for Bradford on Avon.”

This Is Wiltshire: Bradford on Avon Mayor, Cllr Sarah Gibson with Cllr Kevin DaleyBradford on Avon Mayor, Cllr Sarah Gibson with Cllr Kevin Daley

As part of the transfer, the town council will take on Wiltshire Council’s idverde grounds maintenance contract in the town boundary from Friday, April 1, until November 30, when the contract ends.

The town council will then decide on any new provision for these services.

The full list of services and assets that have been transferred from Wiltshire Council to Bradford on Avon Town Council is:

Services:

  • All grounds maintenance services within the town council boundary
  • All streetscene services within the Bradford-on-Avon Town Council boundary
  • Responsibility for public open spaces hard areas and assets
  • Responsibility for streetscene assets on the highway
  • The maintenance of play areas

Assets:

  • Budbury Close electric sub station
  • Station car park public convenience, on a long lease
  • St Margaret’s Hill scout hut
  • Poulton Field
  • Poulton Recreational QEII Pavilion
  • Frome Road centre
  • Land south of Bridge Street
  • Land adjacent to 10 Deverell Close
  • Land south of Moulton Drive
  • Land adjoining Southway Road
  • Land west of Methuen Close
  • Beddoe Close open space
  • Land southeast of Bainton Close
  • Land adjoining St Margaret’s Hall
  • St Margaret’s car park northwest (walkway only)
  • Walkway fronting the swimming pool
  • Bearfield play area
  • St Aldhelm Road play area
  • Greenland View playground
  • Spencers Orchard play areas
  • Budbury Place parking area
  • Frome Road allotments
  • Shoulder of Mutton allotments, on a long lease
  • Cemetery extension
  • Cemetery with chapels and lodge
  • Barton Farm Country Park, including land northeast of Barton Farm