I write to thank town councillors on all sides for unanimously supporting our amendment on how the spash pad project should be taken forward at last week’s meeting of the leisure and amenities committee.

Our proposal in January, again supported on all sides, has proven to be the correct decision by saving residents £40,000 on the cost of the project, money which could potentially be used to reduce next year’s council tax bill.

Officers reported that they have now been successful in securing external grants to replace this at no cost to the people of Chippenham.

I think this is great news for everyone and just shows what can be done with a little creative thinking and hard work.

What was less clear on Wednesday were the running costs. This is important because we need to get a handle on how much water, electricity and maintenance will cost and we’re not quite there yet.

So I’m pleased my Conservative colleagues have taken the initiative to protect residents’ pockets, while supporting the splash pad project for 2015, providing there is a sustainable ongoing budget.

I am even more pleased that all our Liberal and Independent colleagues fully supported our approach to managing residents’ money in a responsible way.

Coun Martin Coates, Conservative Leader, Chippenham Town Council.