Council's no confidence vote in county authority

Councillors Phil Exton and Kim Power said the "final straw" for the town council relates to the future of the well-used and volunteer run Riverside Community Centre

Town councillors have issued a vote of no confidence in their county council leadership over a threatened community centre.

Malmesbury town councillors said planning decisions made by Wiltshire Council have not followed "best practice or consultation".

This includes the verdict on the future of Malmesbury's Riverside Community Centre which could mean its closure in Spring 2026.

Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said the authority shared the "frustration" with the planning process.

Councillor Phil Exton says local people should be kept informed on the changes

Town mayor and councillor Phil Exton said answers from the Wiltshire Council's leader have been "incomplete".

He said: "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, the town council's chair of planning, said it's been a "tricky" year for them - specifically around planning.

He said: "Houses are needed, we understand that, but there's places for them to go."

'Valued community facility'

The "final straw" for the town council relates to the future of the "valuable" Riverside Community Centre in Gloucester Road.

The town council said Wiltshire Council has decided to "exercise an early exit clause" in July 2025 and not continue with the lease after Spring 2026.

Councillor Steve D’Arcy said Wiltshire Council has offered to pay the community centre's rent till February 2025 if the town council take on the lease and responsibility long-term.

Malmsbury Town Council is now formally asking Wiltshire Council to reverse its decision.

Speaking for the county council, Mr Clewer said: "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.

"We have provided as much informal notice as we can so that conversations can take place to look at the options available."