Category: About Warminster: Yeates Meadow

Flooding In Warminster – Support For The Solution

Wednesday 22nd September 1999

Warminster Open Space Protection Society (WOSPS)

Flooding In Warminster – Support For The Solution

Dear WOSP,

Since we formed a little over 3 years ago we have fought the development of Warminster Common, Bugley Barton, St Andrew’s Road, the National Trust site in Boreham Road, Grovelands Way, Warminster School hockey pitch, Home Farm (east of The Dene), Victoria Road (H12) and numerous other incursions proposed in the First Alteration of the District Plan. We have managed to bring planned new houses in Warminster down from about a thousand to approximately 200. After three years of continuous operations some of us are beginning to think that it can be left for someone else to carry on the good work.

Much of our strength is drawn from those who do not use the open spaces that we fight to protect but are members because they oppose development because of the flooding problems that it causes to them, their friends and neighbours. Flooding is a key reason for refusing development but it is also hell on earth for those who suffer the effects. This is an appeal for you to turn out to support the Hydrological Survey which has identified a need for up to £125,000 worth of work for the Fore Street area. Our Councillor members have put a great deal of work into this project but must now fight for the necessary money when £300,000 is to be slashed off the District Council budget next year. They must be seen to have strong local support.

As the First Alteration of the District Plan moves towards its Enquiry In Public (EIP) it is clear that Wren Close, St Andrew’s Road, Bugley Barton and many others are under a sustained threat from developers. Your immediate area of interest may be quiet at the moment but it will come under threat again.

Having attended many council meetings it is clear that when a group of complainants or supporters turn up and some are prepared to speak it has a very real effect on the Councillors.

Please attend the Local Area Committee meeting at Kingdown School on Thursday 30th September at 7pm (and bring a friend). If you wish to speak please book in by 6.30pm. If you need a lift please call me.

Nigel D. Linge, Chairman.
6 Swift Mead, Warminster, Wilts, BA12 8DT.
Telephone (01985) 213644. Fax 300977.

Boreham Field (National Trust Field), Warminster ~ No Question Of A Disposal For Other Purposes

Monday 22nd September 1997

A letter from David Bett, Regional Director of the National Trust, to Nigel Linge, of the Warminster Open Spaces Protection Society:

The National Trust For Places Of Historic Interest Or Natural Beauty, Wessex Regional Office, Eastleigh Court, Bishopstrow, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9HW.
Telephone: Warminster (01985) 843600

Ref: W.18/01

22 September 1997

N.D. Linge Esq
Warminster Open Space Protection Society
6 Swift Mead
Warminster
Wiltshire
BA12 8DT

Dear Mr Linge,

BOREHAM FIELD, WARMINSTER

Thank you for your letter of the 16th September enclosing a copy of yours of the same date to the editor of the Warminster Journal.

I note your proposal to purchase the land from the National Trust as a commemorative park and your invitation to your public meeting on 26th September.

On accepting the gift of this land from Major Yeates the only circumstance in which a subsequent sale was envisaged was if the land was required by Warminster for housing. Until that situation arises, if indeed it ever does, the trust would feel duty bound to retain ownership of the site. I am afraid, therefore, that there is no question of a disposal for other purposes. In view of this I can see no merit in discussing such a proposal at a public meeting.

Whilst writing I would just like to stress that the National Trust has made no attempt whatsoever to develop this site as stated in your letter to the Warminster Journal.

Yours sincerely,

David Bett,
Regional Director.

Registered Charity No. 205846.

Boreham Field (National Trust Field), Warminster ~ Gift Stipulations

Wednesday 14th September 1966

A letter sent from Major Yeates, to the National Trust, stipulating his wishes with regard his gift of Boreham Field to them:

Wylye Lodge, Boreham Road, Warminster, Wilts.
Tel. 2060.

To
The Chairman, The National Trust.
On presenting the field to the South side of the Boreham Road, Warminster, to the National Trust, I wish to make known the wishes of my wife and myself.

This field forms the only break in what will soon be continuous ribbon development from Boreham cross-roads to Longleat gates, a distance of nearly 3 miles. We therefore wish it to be kept as an open space, devoted to agriculture, play-fields, or similar use.

Should however in the course of time the needs of the Town demand that it should be used for housing, we leave agreement to this to your discretion. We are confident that you will decide on what appears to be in the best interests of the Town.

Major E.J. Yeates.

14th September 1966.