HANDS off our park was the strong and clear message from councillors and dozens of residents who packed the February meeting of Wellington Town Council.

They were almost unanimously united in opposing the suggestion by Taunton Deane Borough Council that the park should be dedicated as a centenary field which it was felt would give some unwanted control over the running of it by Fields in Trust which aims to secure recreational spaces in perpetuity to honour those who died during the First World War.

After a long discussion the council decided by 12 votes to one to tell Taunton Deane that it was strongly against the idea as it was felt it would result in handing over some decision making and future management rights to Fields in Trust.

This was the same decision that the town council reached last July but it was referred back by the Deane for further consideration by the town council.

One of the clinching arguments during the debate was that the Deane was not considering dedicating its own Vivary Park as a centenary field because ‘we don’t want to be told what to do with Vivary Park’.

The park was gifted to the town more than 100 years ago by the Fox family – as was the recreation ground just after the First World War – and two members of the family, Simon and Richard Fox, said they wanted to see local control of the park retained.

“It would be a disaster to give the park away,” said John Angus, of Friends of Wellington Park. Its unique character should be preserved for future generations.

Colin Spackman said he could see no reason or benefit in involving Fields in Trust in the park.

Opposing the suggestion, Cllr John Thorne said the park should continue to be run locally. If the idea was approved Fields in Trust would have a say.

Cllr Peter Critchard said that if it was such a good idea why wasn’t Taunton Deane doing it with Vivary Park first.

Cllr Gary James said he could not understand why the Deane was coming back to the town council again after it had been turned down last year. It was like the Maastricht Treaty. It was as if they were saying ‘you have got it wrong, have another vote and agree with us’.

The park was an oasis of peace and tranquility and he was grateful the Fox family had given it to Wellington. “It should remain with us. We like to make the decisions.” Cllr Ross Henley said the town council had strongly told the Deane last July that it would not support the idea. “Why don’t they listen to us for once,” he said. “This has been an unmitigated disaster by the Deane.”

Cllr Marcus Barr said that when he had asked Deane community leisure officer Alison North why the Deane did not dedicate Vivary Park as a community field she replied: “Because we don’t want to be told what we can do with Vivary.”

Cllr Andy Govier said the principle of Fields in Trust was laudable as lots of playing fields had been lost to development throughout the country over the years but the dangers were exaggerated and the benefits were very limited. The park was always going to remain the park and an asset to the town.

He pointed out that some years ago the construction of a supermarket had been mooted on the town’s playing field next to North Street park.

Cllr Janet Reed, who voted for the proposal, felt the dedication would not result in a loss of ownership of the park but would help to protect it. The Royal British Legion had given its support in many areas of the country.

There was a round of applause when the council vote was announced.