'Once-in-a-generation' chance for community green

A group of artists, campaigners and shopkeepers have come together in a bid to create a community green in their town.

The Chapel Green Association in Warminster, Wiltshire, want to see land by St Lawrence Chapel on the High Street transformed into an area for families and visitors to the town to enjoy.

Previously, the area was covered by scaffolding which has since been taken down to leave the area vacant.

Maggy Daniell, of the Chapel Green Association, said now is a "once-in-a- generation" opportunity for the idea.

She added: "Because the minster church is on the edge of town, there isn't a focal point in the centre. We have the chance now to create one, which is perfect."

The group hope to raise enough money through donations and grants to buy the land.

Daniell says the owner is "open to ideas" which would benefit the community and is willing to wait to see how the fundraising campaign progresses.

So far local artist Hilary Jackson, Lucilla Phillips of the town's Civic Trust and several local businesses have expressed interest in the project.

The plot of land, at 3 High Street, is currently fenced off but Jackson has created a watercolour painting of how it could look with benches, plants and space for people to sit.

Daniell continued: "Whether you are a shopper or a visitor, you can sit there and enjoy the buildings and wider ambience of the area.

"Often when you are driving through or rushing through, you don't get the time to do that. It could be a really nice green space."

Several fundraising plans are in the works, including 'green' themed events such as 'Green Teas with friends' and 'Green Days' at schools.

Stacie Allensby, of Warminster Town Council, said the Chapel Green plan seems "a lovely idea" and "one that has seemed very popular within the community."

"I wish them luck with it," she added.

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