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Stunning 94% vote to keep town centre Library and Youth Centre

Published on Tuesday 31st May 2011 by Jon Hubbard

In today's Town Poll asking Melksham residents if they wanted to keep the Library and Youth Centre in the town centre or see them moved to an out-of-town location, 94% of electors chose to keep the facilities in the town.

The poll, which was run by Wiltshire Council on behalf of Melksham Town Council saw 930 local residents express their views, with 870 of them saying they wanted to keep the Library and Youth Centre in the town. Just 59 residents supported moving the popular local facilities with one paper reported as being spoiled.

Speaking after the result was declared local councillor Jon Hubbard said, "I am delighted with this result tonight. This clearly shows that Melksham does not support moving these facilities and I hope that this issue can now be laid to rest. It's time for Wiltshire Council to accept the will of the people, step to the mark and talk about alternative plans.

"It's not too late recognise how unpopular their plans are and to adjust them to better meet the needs of Wilthsire residents.".

When challenged about the low turnout Jon commented, "Low turnouts are normal in town polls. You have to remember that no polling cards were sent out, and the only publicity about the poll was an article in the Melksham News and one leaflet distributed to most households. But let's remember, more people voted against this than voted for 3 of the 4 conservative councillors on the Melksham Area Board!"