Trowbridge Pond Masterplans Draw Criticism From Local Councillor

The council shared pond plans on January 16. They want to make it a wetland reserve. People could see designs and share thoughts. This pond work is part of a bigger park plan.

The town park revamp costs £850,000. They plan to fix up the bandstand, too. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust helps plan with the council. They will improve play areas and fix the bandstand. New public toilets are also planned.

Councillor Daniel Cave isn’t happy with the council. He likes the plans, but feels residents weren’t asked. He thinks costs for the wetland are wrong. He said the wetland area would cost at least £350,000.

Wetlands need constant upkeep, like cutting. This might cost more than a pond. Cave states the park belongs to the people. He thinks people want a pond. He feels the council should have consulted residents.

Cave mentioned a hasty consultation at Doric Park. He noted his online poll got 38 responses. Most wanted the pond restored. Cave said such polls shouldn’t decide things alone. Yet, council should ask people what they want. He thinks the council lacks transparency.

Mayor Stephen Cooper responded to Cave’s comments. Cooper questions what a “proper consultation” even looks like. He asked about Cave’s evidence. Cooper says the January feedback was very positive.

Over one hundred people gave feedback about the project. He denies Doric Park parallels. Cooper says they learned from the Doric project. They govern and control this project well. Proper checks will happen at each stage.

Cooper says restoring the pond would be pricey. Initial fixes would cost £200,000 or more. More money would be needed for yearly upkeep. Cooper believes the wetland is more sustainable. It connects the park to the River Biss. It also provides ecological diversity.

Cooper states most people support their wetland plan. The town council and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust both got positive feedback.