Town Council Expresses No Confidence in County Authority

Local elected officials have expressed a lack of confidence in the leadership of the county council, citing concerns about a community centre facing potential closure. Representatives from Malmesbury’s town council stated that planning determinations by Wiltshire Council have not adhered to “best practice or consultation.” Among these is the decision regarding the fate of Malmesbury’s Riverside Community Centre, which faces possible closure by Spring 2026. Councillor Richard Clewer, who leads Wiltshire Council, indicated that the council experienced the same “frustration” concerning the planning procedures. According to town mayor and councillor Phil Exton, responses from Wiltshire Council’s leader have been “incomplete.” He asserted: “It’s time for the people of Malmesbury to be told about these planning failures and the threat to the future of Riverside.” Councillor James Slade, who chairs the town council’s planning committee, noted that the past year has been “tricky” for them, particularly regarding planning matters. He commented: “Houses are needed, we understand that, but there’s places for them to go.” The “final straw” for the town council concerns the future of the “valuable” Riverside Community Centre, located on Gloucester Road. The town council reported that Wiltshire Council has opted to “exercise an early exit clause” in July 2025, thereby not extending the lease beyond Spring 2026. Councillor Steve D’Arcy stated that Wiltshire Council proposed covering the community centre’s rent until February 2025, provided the town council assumes the lease and long-term responsibility. Malmesbury Town Council is now officially requesting that Wiltshire Council retract its decision. Representing the county council, Mr Clewer remarked: “This is the only facility funded by us in this way and while that in itself is not a reason to end the lease agreement, this arrangement is not viable for the long term.” He added: “We have provided as much informal notice as we can so that conversations can take place to look at the options available.”