As previously reported, the city council announced in a Facebook post on Monday, December 30 that it would unveil plans to convert the city pond into a wetland reserve.
The plans will be announced at a presentation day taking place on Thursday, January 16th from 12pm to 6.30pm at the Civic Center.
The redevelopment of the site is a key part of the £850,000 plan to redevelop Trowbridge Town Park, which will see the creation of a wetland and wildlife habitat to improve biodiversity.
In a statement announcing the unveiling, the council said: “The proposals include allowing the existing Paxcroft Brook to flow naturally through the area currently occupied by the failed man-made pond, rather than being restricted by the existing brick culvert. “
“This will create a narrow, winding channel that will allow water to flow through the wetland year-round.”
Commenters expressed their feelings about the proposed development, with many criticizing the redevelopment.
In a widely read commentary, Jay Jay Savory wrote: “It should never have been allowed to be such a state in the first place.”
Jay added: “This should be brought back [its] former condition and then you can decide to change the use… for now this is a pond and should be used exactly as intended.
Sarah Archer wrote: “This is so wrong. They build bike paths that go nowhere, build huge sidewalks that are not needed, at an exorbitant price, and yet the beautiful pond is part of our heritage and there are not the resources to restore it.”
David Gandy said residents had been promised “a pond they can be proud of”.
His comment reads: “How about using the land masses of Biss Meadows as a wetland and returning the pond to residents where they can visit, play, see and feed the animals? You must follow the steps of Warminster.”
David Whelan wrote: “Return it to its original boating lake for shared use by wildlife and all other users.”
While many commentators criticized the plans, others reacted positively to the news.
Sindey Williams left a comment and added: “I like the idea. We need more wetlands as most of it has been taken over by Paxcroft mead etc. It could look beautiful!”
Sean Honeywell wrote: “Let’s celebrate a cost-based decision and try to influence it positively!”
Mayor of Trowbridge, Cllr Stephen Cooper, previously said: “The aim is not only to create a natural ecosystem, but also to create a better place for all members of the community to enjoy.”
“Wooden walkways will allow people to walk through the reserve and view the wetland from different angles. These walkways will also reconnect the area to the section of the Biss River currently hidden behind the existing pond. Installing benches on this walkway will allow users time to pause and enjoy both the wetland and the Biss River.
“The council considers this to be a much better option than simply restoring the old man-made pond, where water levels were unnaturally high, leaks were frequent and the area lacked real plant and animal diversity.”
The council declined to comment further on the Facebook comments and continues to invite residents to the unveiling of the plans on January 16.
The redevelopment is being planned by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) in collaboration with Trowbridge City Council as part of a program that includes upgrading play areas, repairing the bandstand and providing new facilities such as public toilets.
The project is part of a five-year initiative called A Better Biss Approach (ABBA), which aims to improve biodiversity and public access to the River Biss and surrounding areas.