HELP SHAPWICK “OWN ITS OWN VILLAGE GREEN”

Shapwick Village Green

Do you support the purchase of the land behind Shapwick Village Hall by the Parish Council to be held in perpetuity for the benefit of the Shapwick Community?

  • Everything is in confidence

  • One “vote” per household please

  • Any questions please contact shapwickpc@btinternet.com or Graham on 07484160913

Shapwick Village Green Map

This informal poll of public opinion has been organised by Shapwick Parish Council, 9 Orchard Way, Shapwick, Bridgwater, TA7 9NU. 

email: shapwickpc@btinternet.com      website: shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk


Background and other information

Shapwick is a wonderful place in which to live but it has no publicly owned space such as a “Village Green”.

All of that could be about to change: - as we indicated in the November Parish Council meeting discussions have taken place with the Vestey Trust about the purchase of the land behind the village hall. Many of you will be aware that there have been ongoing discussions about the ownership of this land for some years.  The Trust have now indicated that they are willing to dispose of the land to the Parish Council.  It had been hoped that the land would be gifted but unfortunately the Trust rules do not permit such a gift.  This will be the final opportunity for the Parish Council to bring this 20+ year saga to a successful conclusion, secure a Village Green for the future, and remove the risk that the ownership would pass to third parties.  

We are pleased to report that the discussions have gone well, we are now investigating how we can obtain the funds to make the purchase.

The source of funds is likely to be: -

  • Grants from various funding bodies
  • Parish Council Reserves
  • Community donations* and Crowd-Funding for Phase 2

*In order to meet the terms of one major grant provider we will need to demonstrate that we have raised funds from within the community. If you are able to help, and would be willing to make a donation, please contact the Parish Council as soon as possible (email shapwickpc@btinternet.com), or call Graham on 07484 160913, alternatively speak to any one of your councillors.

The project will be divided into two phases: -

  • Phase 1: - Purchase of the freehold of the land, by the Parish Council, to be held in perpetuity for the benefit of the Shapwick Community. It is hoped that the land could be purchased by June 2023.
  • Phase 2: - The development of amenities for the benefit of the community such as a Children’s Playground and allotments.  

We are optimistic that we can achieve Phase 1 with Grants and Parish Council Reserves, however in order to complete our applications we need to demonstrate community support for the project.

We believe that one of the best ways to do this is via a village poll.

So if you want to help Shapwick to “OWN ITS OWN VILLAGE GREEN” please take part in the poll above.