A PROPOSAL to merge which has set Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council at loggerheads will be discussed again to give residents the chance to air their views.

The idea is part of a community governance review, carried out by Wiltshire Council to look at possible changes to electoral arrangements.

Melksham Town Council have backed the proposal to merge. The town council want the two parishes joined together so they would have one, larger voice and better “bargaining power” and influence in attracting investment to the area.

But Melksham Without Parish Council have put forward proposals for changes in boundaries but are strongly against any merger, as they believe two voices are better than one.

Instead it suggests transferring the 100 dwellings recently built by Barrett Homes on land to the north of Sandridge Common, and the 450 dwellings, named Hunters Wood, which are due to be built to the east of Spa Road, over to Melksham Town Council.

Richard Wood, chairman of Melksham Without, said: “The town council aren’t worried if the parish council serve the town well, because they do. We have been going since 1894, and now have 7,000 houses in our area. We feel we offer lots to people. Bowerhill residents are against the merge and the parish are resisting the view of the Town Council.”

Melksham Town Council have backed the proposal to merge both councils. The town council want the two parishes joined together so they would have one, larger voice and better “bargaining power” and influence in attracting investment to the area.

A decision is expected to be made by Wiltshire Council in September. The public meeting to discuss the plans is on February 14 at Melksham Assembly Hall from 6-30pm.