RECRUITMENT of new staff is under way for Wellington Town Council as it prepares to take ownership of the town’s green open spaces in April.

Wellington Park, the Recreation Ground, and the Playing Field are among assets it is taking over as Somerset Council reduces its costs in an effort to avoid bankruptcy.

Three new jobs are being advertised by the town council for a newly-created ‘open spaces team’, each with a salary that could top £30,000.

A spokesperson said: “We are looking for people who can work on their own initiative, take pride in their work, and are willing to go the extra mile to make Wellington a great place to live, work, and visit.

“All posts will require previous experience of working in an open spaces/grounds maintenance environment.”

The town council already has effective ownership of 64 acres of land at The Basins, which runs from Tonedale across to Rockwell Green.

The spokesperson said: “It is likely in the future we will be taking on more land in new developments around the town as they are built.

“This is an exciting time to be joining Wellington Town Council.”

One of the new posts is for an open spaces team leader, who will work under the council’s open spaces manager Darren Hill, and the other two are for ‘open spaces operatives’.

Application forms and more information about the posts can be obtained by calling 01823 662855 or emailing [email protected], with a closing date to apply by January 10.