MORE than 60 acres of land at The Basins, Wellington, was today handed over to the town council for the next 150 years.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) purchased the 62.5 acres of green space adjoining the Tonedale Mill complex and connecting Tonedale, Rockwell Green, and Wellington.

It then immediately leased the area, which includes Fox’s Field which SWT bought in 2021, to the town council to manage as a community asset.

The deal will allow the community greater access to green space in Wellington with opportunities for long-term enhancements including ecological and well-being initiatives.

The town council will work with local community groups on future uses and the development of the green space.

Wellington Town Council Basins Mark Lithgow Mike Rigby lease 150 years
Wellington Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow (left) signing the Basins land lease with SWT Cllr Mike Rigby. (Wellington Town Council)

It has set up an advisory board of local interested groups and one of its first tasks will be to hold a community consultation to inform the development of a long-term strategy and management plan for the land.

SWT executive Cllr Mike Rigby 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.

“We look forward to supporting Wellington Town Council as they lead on this exciting opportunity.”

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

Wellington Town Council Basins land green corridor lease 150 years
A drone's eye view of some of the Basins land now under Wellington Town Council. (Jem, Reflex Eye)

The acquisition of further land allows a connection from the heritage mill sites and communities of Tonedale to Rockwell Green and Wellington, improving access and connectivity while integrating a number of community-led initiatives.

Wellington Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow 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.

“It is also a sign of the ambition of the town council that it is prepared to step up and lead on such an ambitious project and I look forward to the council doing more of the same as local government is reorganised in Somerset.”