Wiltshire Council and Westbury Town Council agree transfer of grounds maintenance services and community assets in the town

Local people in Westbury will be able to have more say on how grounds maintenance and Streetscene services are run in the town, as Wiltshire Council agreed to pass several services and assets to Westbury Town Council.

From January 2025, Westbury Town Council will deliver all the litter, grounds, allotment and cemetery services within their boundary.

The transfer gives the town council autonomy to manage these services and facilities as it sees fit, giving it an opportunity to focus on local priorities without any input from Wiltshire Council.

Wiltshire Council recognises that some local councils would like to operate bespoke services in their communities and asset transfers can be agreed to delegate certain services.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We're pleased to be working with Westbury Town Council in handing over local services to the town.

"Like the town council, our role continues to evolve and as we take on an ever more strategic role, focusing on Adult Care Services, Children's Services, Planning, Highways and other county-wide responsibilities, we are looking to encourage town councils to take on more ownership of their local environment.

"Westbury Town Council is added to the growing list of town councils who have already taken on more local services and has joined Chippenham, Salisbury, Bradford on Avon, Devizes, Pewsey and Trowbridge in taking on grounds maintenance services and community assets in their towns.

"A priority in our Business Plan is to have vibrant communities and part of this is transferring assets to communities where appropriate, giving towns the chance to increase the quality of local services to meet the needs of communities."

Cllr Michael Sutton, Chair of Service Devolution and Asset Transfer Working Group, Westbury Town Council, said: "Westbury Town Council are delighted that after much discussion, Wiltshire Council have placed their trust and confidence in the town council to manage some of the services and own many of the assets in Westbury. This provides the town council with the scope to tailor services to meet the needs of our community. We are committed to maintaining high standards and we will strive to enhance the services wherever possible. The freehold transfer of many of the town's assets is a significant responsibility and provides an opportunity to manage local resources directly, ensuring they will continue to benefit our community. The transfer will take place on 1 January 2025, it has been fully budgeted and is within the scope of the town council's current financial plan. The town council is thrilled to be starting work on this exciting new progression for Westbury."