THE TRANSFER of three key community spaces from Wyre Forest District Council to Bewdley Town Council has been agreed.
The move into ‘local custodianship’ followed unanimous approval at the latest Bewdley Town Council meeting last week.
Under Localism powers, the council has agreed to the transfer of Hackett’s Meadow, The Garden of Rest, and Westbourne Street Car Park for a nominal consideration of £1 per site, ensuring their long-term protection, maintenance and availability for public use.
The council said the proposed transfers would secure the future management of two valued green and heritage spaces at the heart of Bewdley.
Hackett’s Meadow, part of the town’s riverside open space, will continue to be maintained as an accessible, well-kept recreational area for residents and visitors.
The council intends to return the meadow to a regular mowing regime, allowing for riverside picnics, informal recreation and the potential for occasional outdoor community events, while still supporting biodiversity through sensitively managed meadow areas.
The Garden of Rest, a quiet memorial garden on Westbourne Street, contains significant listed structures including the stone cross and two lychgates.
As part of the transfer, Bewdley Town Council has committed to investing in specialist heritage refurbishment works to safeguard these listed monuments and to maintaining the site as a place of reflection, with regular grass cutting, hedge maintenance and ongoing care.
Investment
As part of the agreed arrangements, transitional funding has been approved by WFDC to support the initial years of management.
This will enable the town council to undertake urgent heritage restoration works at the Garden of Rest, maintain both sites to a high standard from the point of transfer and put sustainable long-term management arrangements in place beyond the funding period.
The transfer of Westbourne Street Car Park will also pass responsibility for its operation and maintenance to Bewdley Town Council, with income generated from existing arrangements helping to offset ongoing costs.
Public Notice
As required by law, WFDC will advertise a public notice relating to the disposal of open space land – a statutory legal requirement.
The authority wants to reassure residents there are no plans for development and the purpose of the transfer is to ensure continued public access, improved maintenance and local stewardship.
Next Steps
Subject to completion of the statutory and legal processes, the asset transfers are scheduled to be completed by April 1 next year.
A spokesperson said: “The council believes this transfer represents a positive step in securing valued local assets under local control, reinforcing its commitment to protecting Bewdley’s green spaces, heritage, and community facilities for current and future generations.”
