An area of wasteland in Royal Wootton Bassett is about to be transformed into a thriving community garden after the town council has ‘adopted’ the space.

The idea, which is a joint effort between Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council and the RWB Environment Trust, first came about in 2023 when locals pointed out that the area near Vale View could be put to better use.

The empty plot of land is owned by Wiltshire Council and was previously used years ago for allotments, but has since been left abandoned.

Now the town is determined to turn the piece of land around and create a space for the whole community to enjoy.

Swindon Advertiser: The space leading into Vale View has been described as an unused 'waste land'.The space leading into Vale View has been described as an unused 'waste land'. (Image: Google Maps)

“In December 2023 the Town Council approved the project for this area - now called Vale View Gardens - and the lease has now been agreed,” said Mark Hopkins, chief officer at Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council.

“Wiltshire Council confirmed they are happy for the Town Council to “adopt” the land by way of a legal licence.

“A small community working group will meet towards the end of February to agree next steps, and a grant application has been made to the Wiltshire Council Area Board to support the project.”

Swindon Advertiser: Photos of the space from 2009 show how it has been left overgrown for years.Photos of the space from 2009 show how it has been left overgrown for years. (Image: Google Maps)

Vale View Gardens will feature newly planted trees, bushes and raised flower beds for school children to learn about gardening and the environment.

Andy Carr, a local Vale View resident who is helping with the project, has been keen to get as many people on board as possible.

“It is great to be part of a real community coalition who have developed a shared vision of creating something visually appealing, environmentally sound, educational, and very enjoyable for the long term,” said Andy.

“It’s been great to work with so many enthusiastic residents and the Town Council to achieve this”.

RWB Environment Trust, RWB Gardening Club and RWB Infants School are all taking part in the transformation, as well as several individual residents.

“This area will be of tremendous value to our community and demonstrates how working together can make a real difference. This will be a lasting legacy for our town,” added town mayor councillor Eve Silvester.