Westbury Town Council has taken ownership and control of the town’s green spaces and other local services from Wiltshire Council.
The areas involved include the cemetery, Soisy Gardens, Penleigh, Grassacres, and other parks, play spaces, and allotments, as well as the two free car parks at the Bratton Road viewing area and Westbury Leigh.
The town council will also assume responsibility for litter collection, grounds maintenance, and streetscene services in the town, along with the management of all future markets.
In a statement, the council said, “After many months of discussions and negotiations, on 1st January 2025 your town council finally took ownership and control of the town’s cherished green spaces and other assets from Wiltshire Council.
“This change means we will be able to deliver the top-quality maintenance that Westbury residents want and ensure that our open spaces and civic assets are managed locally. This will help them become a source of pride and joy for all Westbury residents.
“Staff and councillors have been working in partnership with Wiltshire Council to ensure this transfer is a success, and we are grateful for the support and guidance we have received from Wiltshire Council officers throughout this project.
“But that’s not all. From 1st March 2025, as the growing season begins, we’ll also take charge of grounds maintenance across the town, including bin emptying on highways and other amenity land in Westbury. We are working hard to appoint a dedicated contractor to provide exceptional services. However, if this is delayed, we will temporarily manage the contract currently run on behalf of Wiltshire Council.
“Our commitment to you, the people of Westbury, doesn’t stop at maintenance. We are also aiming to provide more frequent grass-cutting and will explore exciting ways to protect and enhance biodiversity within our green spaces. These improvements mark a new chapter for Westbury’s environment, and we are proud to lead the way. Keep an eye out for Westbury’s new reporting app, where you will be able to highlight matters needing the town council’s attention.”
In 2026, the town council will also take over responsibility for burials and ashes services at the cemetery from Wiltshire Council, which currently manages these services. The town council will handle enquiries from the public, work closely with funeral directors and stonemasons, and manage the administration of burial plots, interments, and memorial applications. They will continue to offer the same range of services as Wiltshire Council, including options for ashes burials, traditional graves, and lawn graves.
Cllr Mike Sutton, chair of the Service Devolution and Asset Transfer Working Group, said, “Westbury Town Council is pleased to take on more responsibility for managing services that benefit our local community. While we know it won’t be without its challenges, we are confident that our systems and team are ready to provide a great service.
“We understand the increasing pressures on unitary authorities and believe that managing services locally is better for democracy and accountability.
“We are excited to take on this opportunity and look forward to serving our community in this new way.”
Picture: Soisy Gardens
