GREEN spaces in Wellington will be managed more locally from next April as a result of a new ‘devolution deal’ between Somerset Council and the town council.
The bankruptcy-threatened unitary authority ‘reached out’ to town and parish councils across the county after declaring a financial emergency last autumn.
Local councils were told they needed to take on the running of many services or lose them as the Somerset authority tried to bridge a £100 million budget gap.
Now, Wellington Town Council is agreeing a new deal with the unitary authority which will take effect in the spring of next year.
From April 1, 2025, the following services will become the responsibility of Wellington Town Council:
Provision and collection of litter bins and dog waste bins
Bedding planting
Management and maintenance of open spaces.
Grass cutting (including highways verges and Rockwell Green Cemetery)
Maintenance and Inspection of play areas and trees
Toilet cleaning
Maintenance of bus shelters
As part of the devolution deal, Somerset Council will transfer public toilets in North Street car park, Wellington Park, and Rockwell Green Cemetery to the town, with the latter expected to be reopened to the public by the late spring.
While the town council will be responsible for grass cutting within the cemetery, maintenance of the paths and walls will remain with Somerset Council.
Unitary bosses estimate the move will save about £114,000 a year, with a further £117,000 it would have needed to spend on replacement play equipment up to 2030.
Any future play equipment costs will be borne by the town council as part of its management of the following green spaces:
Andrew Allan Road and Gillards Close open space and play area
Barrington Way open space and play area
Beechgrove open space
Burrough Way open space and play area
Champford Mews open space
Chestnut Close play area
Corner Close play area
Dobree Park playing field
Foxmoor Road open space
Hoyles Road open space
Jurston Lane open spaces and play area
Longacre open space
Oakfield Park open space
Rope Walk play area
Swains Lane play area
Sylvan Road and Laburnum Road open space
The Paddocks open space and play area
Walkers Gate open space and play area
Wardleworth open space
Warren Street play area
Wellington Basins (including the skate park, pétanque court, the Basins Volunteer Group cabin and BMX track)
Wellington Park (including the park lodge)
Wellington Recreational Field (including pavilion and stand)
Wellington Playing Field
Westford Grange play area
Somerset head of operational services Jonathan Stevens said: “Wellington Town Council has agreed a budget for next year through their full council process, and has also employed additional, qualified staff in readiness for taking on extra responsibilities.
“Our officers have worked collaboratively with the town council to ensure that devolution of services will be a seamless process, with no detrimental impact to residents of Wellington.”