Update on £300,000 project to revamp Wiltshire park

Work on a £300,0009 project to refurbish the pond at Trowbridge Town Park is continuing, it has been revealed.

Trowbridge Borough Council has published an update on its plans to redevelop the pond and surrounding area as part of a project to improve the River Biss catchment.

The council wants to create a pond-centred wetland, including Go Wild trails for people to explore.

The council says: “This is no longer just a repair of an asset, but a comprehensive project that requires a much more thorough and lengthy process.”

Council leader Stewart Palmen said: “The town’s pond is currently dry despite the rain and a route is being laid which will improve the park.

“The estimate for the project with fees and some contingencies is £300,000. A National Lottery funding grant will be sought at £250,000.”

The council also plans to apply for a landfill tax grant and funding from Trowbridge Council in Wiltshire.

The council has already budgeted up to £20,000 into its capital reserves to start the project, which could take place with the help of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

The pond in Trowbridge Town Park is now completely overgrown. Trevor Porter 77154-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

He said: “A meeting with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) to discuss the proposed wetland spaces in the Biss Meadows environment provided an opportunity to review the town’s pond.

“The project manager has now offered to review the original proposal for improvements to the town’s pond that was previously presented to this committee in March 2022.

“Meetings have also taken place between the council and interested organizations for the development of the city park pond.

“The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, who led this project, will continue to do so with assistance from the council.”

The work is part of the five-year A Better Biss Approach (ABBA) project implemented by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to improve the River Biss in Trowbridge.

Its aim is to improve the River Biss and its tributaries in partnership with local authorities, charities, local businesses and community groups.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said: “ABBA will deliver the physical restoration of the river to deliver natural capital benefits and WFD improvements hand-in-hand with large-scale community and business engagement, while developing innovative solutions to the historic challenges it faces the river by Trowbridge.

“The project will deliver a program of events each year, working with local communities and volunteers to raise awareness of the issues facing the catchment.”