PEOPLE in Wellington will have greater access to green spaces after the town council took possession of two plots of land.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) transferred a 150-year lease to Wellington Town Council on 62.5 acres beside Tonedale Mill bought with Community Infrastructure Levy funds, and Fox's Field, which the former bought two years ago.

Wellington Town Council will manage the land and work with community groups on future uses and the development of the green space into a community asset.

An advisory board will hold a community consultation over the autumn to inform the development of a long-term strategy and management plan for the land.

Cllr Mike Rigby, SWT executive member for assets, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure this green space for the community.

"There is so much positivity from the people of Wellington and I look forward to seeing the area flourish over the coming years."

SWT has been working alongside Wellington Mills CIC and Transition Town Wellington to protect Fox’s Field as an open, green space for the community.

The acquisition of further community land will connect the heritage mill sites and communities of Tonedale, Rockwell Green and Wellington, improving access and connectivity whilst integrating a number of community-led initiatives.

Cllr Mark Lithgow, Wellington Mayor and town council chairman, said: “This is a significant moment for the people of Wellington and for Wellington Town Council. We will be working directly with the community to ensure that they have a say in how the land is used.

“It is a real opportunity to enhance the lives of the people of Wellington."