25 Jan The Green Corridor
Wellington Town Council are very pleased to be sharing this news. We will shortly be starting a consultation process to give the community the chance to let us have their views about how they would like to see the land used. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for details of how to take part.
Somerset West and Taunton Council has purchased 62.5 acres of green space adjoining the Tonedale Mill complex and connecting Tonedale, Rockwell Green and Wellington.
The land, bought using Community Infrastructure Levy funds, has been transferred to Wellington Town Council on a 150-year lease along with Fox’s Field which was acquired by SWT in January 2021 following its designation as an Asset of Community Value.
It will allow the community greater access to green space in Wellington with opportunities for long term enhancements including ecological and wellbeing initiatives.
Wellington Town Council will manage the land and work with local community groups on future uses and the development of the green space into a community asset.
The Town Council has established an Advisory Board consisting of local interested community groups and one of its first tasks will be to hold a community consultation over the autumn which will inform the development of a long-term strategy and management plan for the land.
Cllr Mike Rigby, Executive Member for Assets at SWT, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure this green space for the community. There is so much positivity from the people of Wellington and I look forward to seeing the area flourish over the coming years. We look forward to supporting Wellington Town Council as they lead on this exciting opportunity.”
SWT has been working alongside Wellington Mills CIC and Transition Town Wellington to protect Fox’s Field as an open, green space for the whole community.
The acquisition of further community land will connect the heritage mill sites and communities of Tonedale, Rockwell Green and Wellington, improving access and connectivity whilst integrating a number of community-led initiatives.
Councillor Mark Lithgow, Town Mayor and Chair of Wellington Town Council, said: “This is a significant moment for the people of Wellington and for Wellington Town Council.
“We will be working directly with the community to ensure that they have a say in how the land is used.
“It is a real opportunity to enhance the lives of the people of Wellington.
“It is also a sign of the ambition of the Town Council that it is prepared to step up and lead on such an ambitious project and I look forward to the Council doing more of the same as local government is reorganised in Somerset.”
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