Derelict pavilion removal begins

THE derelict pavilion on Penleigh Park was brought down last week, with residents still hoping for it to be rebuilt as part of their scheme to regenerate the area. 

Local groups, POPCAN (Penleigh and Oldfield Community Action Network) and Team 10, a group of young residents, have recently been working with Sovereign Housing Association, on  plans to regenerate the Penleigh Park area.

Wiltshire Council announced in the summer that the pavilion was unsafe and putting the council at ‘risk of compensation claims through injury’ and therefore would be demolished. The process began on Wednesday 5th December

Sovereign Westbury team said, “Yesterday, Wiltshire Council contractors began the removal of the derelict Penleigh Pavilion. This followed a successful campaign from the estate’s POPCAN group and Team10 youth action group, who have been working hard to get this issue sorted. 

“Their long-term plan is to get a replacement building – maybe a container – onto the site to help develop more community and sports activities in the Penleigh recreation area. Let us know if you can help with this.

“We’re also thankful to Liam Cripps – Wiltshire Council’s community engagement manager for Westbury – who has helped POPCAN by communicating the urgency of this issue with the relevant council colleagues.

“Community action works! – so get in touch with POPCAN and get involved in making your community even better.”

Liam Cripps said, “It has been a pleasure supporting POPCAN and Team10 community action group with the removal of the old pavilion at Penleigh Recreation Ground. They are a really engaged and passionate group of residents and school pupils, who take pride in their community.”