News

Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall has its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 18th June 2026 in The Council Chamber, The Manor House, Lime Kiln, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7GJ

Starts from 6.30pm and all user groups are invited to attend.

Armed Forces Day is an annual event in the UK dedicated to recognising and celebrating the work, commitment and sacrifices of the country’s Armed Forces. It usually takes place in late June, with a week of activities leading up to it known as Armed Forces Week. 

The Town Council and the Royal British Legion will host a ceremonial parade and community event on Saturday 27^th June 2026 to mark the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. This event reaffirms our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families and provides a great opportunity for the community to come together in recognition of their honourable service.  

This event will take place at the War Memorial on the High Street; the ceremony will begin at 10:30am and conclude at approximately 11:30am. A road closure will be in place from 10:00am to 12:00 noon to ensure the safety of all participates and attendees, with stewards and marshals positioned.  

The ceremony will include serving Armed Forces personnel, reservists and cadet forces (where available), alongside civic representatives and members of the public.  

A short welcome by the Royal British Legion will be followed by the formal signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. Prayers, Act of Commitment and a Blessing for the Armed Forces community will also form part of the ceremony led by the Mayor’s Chaplain in honour and remembrance for those who serve and have served. Finally, the National Anthem will be played and sung by the parade.  

Members of the public are all warmly invited to attend and observe this important civic event. Further details, including traffic management information, will be published closer to the event date.  

Full Council & Appointment of Committees and Town Hall Trust

📅 Thursday 21^st May 2026
🕖 From 6.30pm
📍 The Council Chamber, The Manor House, Lime Kiln, SN4 7GJ

Members of the public and press are warmly invited to attend.

🕖 6.30pm – Full Council – Agenda Items for discussion and decision:

• Appointment of Committees
• Appointment of Working Groups
• Appointment of Outside Representatives
• Merchants House
• Re-adoption of GPoC
• Corporate Governance and Policy Updates
• Assertion 10 – Digital & Data Governance Compliance
• Internal Audit Report
• Fixed Asset Register
• Land Terrier
• Financials
• Approval of AGAR
• Appointment of Internal Auditor 26/27
• Co-option – North Ward
• Communications

Following the conclusion of the Full Council meeting, the Council’s three committees (Revenue & Resources, Amenities and Planning) will convene briefly for the purpose of :

• Electing a Chair
• Electing a Vice Chair
• Appointing members to working groups

Following the committee meetings, a brief meeting of the Town Hall Trust will be convened for the purpose of authorising the bank signatories only.

To view full agendas and supporting information please visit the calendar of meetings on our website. 

THE COMMUNITY GRANT AID FUND SCHEME IS NOW OPEN FOR 2026

Community Grants: Investing in Local People, Ideas, and Futures. 

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council plays a vital role in supporting the heart of our community, and community grants are one of the most powerful ways to do so. These grants help local groups and organisations turn ideas into action, strengthen community ties, and improve quality of life for residents of all ages.  

Every year we put aside funds to help local community groups and projects, and applications are now open for 2026.  

Community grants empower local organisations to respond directly to local needs. Because groups are rooted in the community, they understand the challenges residents face and are often best placed to deliver effective solutions. Grants support activities that bring people together, helping to build stronger, more inclusive communities. Previously funded projects have encouraged participation, reduced isolation, and help foster a sense of belonging. 

Many previous community grants have focused on supporting those who may face barriers due to age, disability, health, income, or social isolation. Funding helps organisations ensure activities are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to diverse needs. 

Your group or organisation must be based in Royal Wootton Bassett or in the close surrounding area and must be able to demonstrate that it benefits a significant number of local people living in Royal Wootton Bassett.  

All applications received will be considered at a special Revenue & Resources – Grants Committee Meeting held on Thursday 9th July 2026. All community groups are expected to attend the meeting and speak on behalf of their application.  

Community grants are more than just financial support, they are a partnership between the Town Council and local organisations. Together, they demonstrate a shared commitment to community wellbeing, resilience, and progress. 

By investing in community groups, the council invests in stronger neighbourhoods, healthier residents, and a more vibrant town.  

To apply, please complete the online application form via My Bassett portal . Please ensure you read the Community Grant Policy to check your group’s eligibility. The closing date is Friday 5th June 2026.

A Skatepark for our Town

Building Skills, Community, and Healthy Futures!

The development of a new skatepark in our town marks an exciting milestone, not just for skaters, but for the whole community. Much more than a recreational space, the skatepark will become a vibrant hub for active lifestyles, youth development, and community connection. It represents an investment in the wellbeing of current and future generations, offering a place where people of all ages can learn, grow, and belong.

Creating a Space for Active, Healthy Living

Skateboarding, scootering, rollerblading, and BMX riding are fun, dynamic ways to stay active. They promote cardiovascular fitness, balance, coordination, and strength. In a world where young people increasingly face the draw of screen time, the skatepark will offer an enticing alternative: a safe place to be outdoors, moving, socialising, and exercising, all without the barriers of cost or membership.

For many, skateparks are the first place they discover the joy of physical activity that’s unstructured, inclusive, and truly accessible. Whether someone is attempting their first push across the concrete or working on advanced tricks, the skatepark will encourage healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Supporting Learning, Resilience, and Personal Growth

Action sports teach valuable life skills that extend well beyond the ramps. Learning to skate involves persistence, patience, and the willingness to try again after setbacks, qualities that build resilience and confidence. The skatepark will provide a dedicated environment where young people can challenge themselves at their own pace and celebrate progress, big or small.

The culture around skateboarding is also one of peer learning. Riders encourage each other, share advice, and celebrate success. This natural mentoring fosters social skills, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. For many young people, the skatepark becomes a second home: a place where they feel supported, motivated, and part of something positive.

A Safe and Purpose-Built Environment

Before the development of the skatepark, riders may have practised in car parks, streets, or other unsuitable areas, raising both safety concerns and difficulties for local residents. Creating a designated, professionally designed skatepark provides a much safer environment for everyone. Smooth surfaces, appropriate obstacles, and clear visibility help reduce the risk of injuries while encouraging more young people to participate.

The new skatepark will also reduce the pressure on other public spaces, ensuring the town remains safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all.

Strengthening Community Connections

A skatepark is more than a collection of ramps, it’s a meeting place. Parents, children, teenagers, and adults alike can gather to watch, learn, and take part. It provides an inclusive space where different groups come together, strengthening community bonds across ages and backgrounds.

Events such as skate workshops, competitions, and community sessions can further enhance engagement and bring fresh energy to the town. These occasions create opportunities for local businesses, support youth development, and foster a spirit of pride and togetherness.

Boosting the Town’s Appeal and Future Opportunities

Modern skateparks are widely recognised as important community amenities. They attract visitors, enhance local parks, and demonstrate that a town values young people and active lifestyles. Investing in a skatepark shows long-term commitment to creating vibrant, well-rounded public spaces that serve the entire community.

In the future, the skatepark can also become a base for coaching programmes, youth outreach, and partnerships with schools or sports organisations, helping even more people to discover new hobbies and healthy habits.

So, what is currently happening……?

Following the appointment of our partner Maverick Industries Ltd, we hosted a visit to Royal Wootton Bassett to review potential sites owned by the Town Council. There are strict rules with the development and location of a new skatepark, and Maverick Industries Ltd have guided us on this. 

Each of our playparks have been assessed, and none are suitable, mainly due to the proximity of houses. An area at Jubilee Lake was also reviewed, but here the space is not sufficient for the design of the skatepark we are considering. 

Over the past two years we have had discussions with developers and other landowners, but these options have not led to any firm commitments to either building a skatepark, or allowing a skatepark to be built. 

At the Full Council meeting on 12^th March 2026, the Chief Officer updated the council on the review of sites, and currently the preferred site is a small area of the 48-acre country park, near the railway line with access via Country Park Way, and the other entrances to the country park.

Our skatepark design questionnaire is currently live, and so far, has received nearly 800 responses; thanks to everyone who has taken the time to complete it.

The Bassett Skatepark Working Group, which includes residents, skaters, businesses and the town council, will meet with Maverick Industries Ltd, on 16^th April, to start a review of the initial design suggestions. 

On Monday 20^th April, Maverick Industries Ltd are hosting a series of design workshops, starting with our local primary schools, then a lunchtime session at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, an after-school session for Academy students and their parents, followed by an evening design workshop for the wider community. 

Once the design of the skatepark is drafted, Maverick Industries Ltd will provide designs to show how a modern skatepark can be integrated into a country park area, as has been created in many other towns across the country, with appropriate landscaping. 

A full consultation process will then follow, along with any statutory requirements for the development of a skatepark. 

A chance to have a go………….

On Saturday 9^th May 2026, we will be holding a pop-up Skatepark with King Ramps including demonstrations by pro-riders. This event will be at The Manor House, Lime Kiln.

More details to follow on this exciting event! 

We are very grateful to the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board for approving a grant towards this event. 

It is clear from the engagement that has already taken place, there is plenty of support for Bassett to have a skatepark, and it has been a long-term aim of the Town Council for many many years. 

With our Skatepark Working Group, and Maverick Industries Ltd, we will continue the community engagement – and also continuing the work for the funding of the project. 

We have started various grant applications and fund raising, we have already received offers of donations from local businesses and residents, which is fantastic, and commitment for funding from a developer. The costs of the project will between £400-500k, so a significant amount of money to raise. 

If you are interested in contributing towards the cost of the new Bassett Skatepark, please do contact the Town Council. 

A Space Built for Everyone

One of the greatest strengths of a skatepark is its inclusivity. It welcomes all ages, abilities, and styles. You don’t need a team, a coach, or expensive equipment, just a board, scooter, or bike and the enthusiasm to get started. 

It is a place where creativity, movement, and community intersect, and where everyone has the chance to grow.

What an exciting project for our town! 

Mark Hopkins

Chief Officer

Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO)

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council is pleased to announce the revival of the Community Speed Watch (CSW) scheme. The decision to work with Wiltshire Police to relaunch the initiative was made at the Council meeting on Thursday 20^th July 2023, after the scheme was paused during the Covid pandemic.

Community Speed Watch gives local residents the opportunity to help monitor vehicle speeds in their area. All recorded formation is passed to Wiltshire police.

Following extensive discussions with Wiltshire Police and traffic surveys on roads where residents raised concerns about speeding, the Council is pleased to confirm that, thanks to the positive community response, a Team Leader and several volunteers have come forward. 

Whitehill Lane has been chosen as the first location to launch the scheme.

Once volunteers have completed the required vetting and training, they will begin monitoring speeds.

If you would like to join the team and support this initiative, you can submit an expression of interest via the Wiltshire & Swindon PCC website: 

https://www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/volunteer/community-speedwatch/

The Town Council is pleased to announce that it has completed the purchase of land to the west of Springfield Crescent, from Persimmon Homes.

This important acquisition secures the site for the future benefit of our community. The Town Council’s long-term vision is to develop the land into a Town Park, creating a welcoming green space for residents and visitors to enjoy, with open views across the surrounding countryside.

Residents will recall a few months ago the concern caused when this large area of land was put up for auction and reportedly sold to unknown buyers. Concerns were expressed on social media and directly to Town Councillors.

This area of land was already earmarked in the Neighbourhood Plan (2017 – 2026) as a Town Park, so the Town Council made enquiries and soon discovered that the sale had not gone through. And following negotiations between the Town Council and Persimmon Homes, the Town Council completed the purchase, paid for from the reserves of the Town Council, and will not impact the precept.

John Gantlett, Persimmon Homes Wessex Land and Planning director said: “We’re delighted to support the Town Council’s vision for a new community park. This land transfer reflects our commitment to creating spaces that enhance local life and provide lasting benefits for residents.”

And Mayor, Cllr Steve Bucknell, who has been the driving force behind the idea of a Town Park close to the High Street, added: “This important acquisition secures the site for the future benefit of our community. The Town Council’s long-term vision is to develop the land into a Town Park. This idea was first proposed nearly 20 years ago after a survey revealed the town’s need to improve dwell time, how long people stay in the town, supporting the long-term viability of the High Street and the Town Centre as a whole.

A Town Park will create a welcoming green space for residents and visitors to enjoy, with open views across the surrounding countryside.

In the short term we hope to work with RWB Environmental Trust and other volunteers to clean the site up. There are steep drops into the site from Springfield Crescent, and longer-term residents of the town will be aware that the land used to contain a large pond and an orchard. It is currently heavily overgrown and has been victim of some fly-tipping over the years”.

Further updates will be shared as plans progress, but this purchase marks a positive step towards enhancing local green spaces and quality of life in our town.

🌱 Allotments Available Now! 🌿
Now’s a great time to take on a plot and get it ready for next year’s veg!
Grow your own food, enjoy the outdoors, and be part of a lovely local community.

Limited plots available – please apply via My Bassett Portal –  🥕🍓🥬 or you can email rwballotments@royalwoottonbassett.gov.uk 

At a meeting of the Amenities Committee on 12th June 2025, members resolved to install a new Multi Use Sports Area (MUSA) in Royal Wootton Bassett. It has been a long-term aim of the Town Council to provide a MUSA within one of our parks, a hard-court, fenced area, providing space for activities such as football, hockey, basketball and many more.

Following feedback from residents, the Town Council will be installing the MUSA at our Showfield Park and believe this new investment to the park will we welcomed by the local community. The Town Council is working closely with Scarrott’s Fun Fair to ensure minimal impact to the running of the fair.

The next steps will be obtaining planning permission from Wiltshire Council and engaging with the local schools, Rise Trust Youth Club and members of the community. The Town Council have secured a £90,000 grant from Community First, who manage and administrate the Landfill Communities Fund in Wiltshire and Swindon, to fund the project, with the Town Council’s 10% contribution coming from Community Infrastructure Levy funds.

The MUSA will create an accessible, free-to-access site, supporting one of the Town Council’s emerging objectives, Healthy and Safe in Bassett.