Options for renovating and extending use of St Peter’s Church, Fugglestone, are under discussion with Wilton rector Rev Mark Wood and his team, Wilton Community Land Trust members and guests were told at the annual meeting on July 28 in the church.

The Trust’s board of directors is keen to bring the beautiful old church and its grounds into community use by installing electricity and toilets and kitchen when funds are raised. The venue would help with the CLT’s efforts to integrate the hundreds of new residents on Wilton Hill, the former Army headquarters.

Among other community issues the Trust is developing are a Plant Festival for 2020 and opportunities for hydro and solar energy generation. The Trust is also leading the project to provide a Men’s Shed for Wilton, and plans are in hand to locate it next to the pavilion in the Castle Lane sports ground, with the permission of the Town Council.
During questions, town councillor Phil Matthews asked about the Sheep Fair Field and the CLT’s application to register the land as a community asset. Wiltshire Council claims the ground had never been used for community events. Cllr Matthews strongly disagreed and added that evidence was available to disprove the claim. Wiltshire councillor Pauline Church said the field was part of a broader strategic plan, including the proposed Wilton Parkway rail station and the neighbouring WC Highways depot land.

CLT chairman Neil Prigent said the Trust would keep the asset transfer process under review. The Trust is also considering purchasing Wilton police station as a community asset if it was not transferred for community use.