Work planned as River Avon beauty spot bought for community

The historic Daniel’s Well in Malmesbury is now officially in public hands after Malmesbury Town Council successfully bought the site.

Contracts have been signed, sealing the acquisition of the 8.5-acre spot for community use.

An alliance of groups in the area united to back and fund the purchase, including the town council, St. Paul Malmesbury Without Parish Council, the Malmesbury League of Friends and the Malmesbury River Valleys Trust.

The successful acquisition of the site by the town council is said to ‘ensure the long-term preservation of the land for householders and secure a vital piece of the town’s scenic river walk’.

Now the town council has become the official new owner of the site, the focus moves to developing its landscape.

Immediate plans include the restoration of a flood-damaged stone clapper bridge, riverbank repairs and tree planting.

In the longer term, the project will open up the area to all by making trails fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Another longer-term plan is to establish a volunteer group to manage the spot.

Stretching from Foxley Road along the River Avon towards the bank opposite St Aldhelm’s Mead, Daniel’s Well - named after a 9th-century monk who plunged into its freezing waters - was previously part of Daniel’s Well Farm.

Negotiations for Malmesbury Town Council to buy the site were led by town councillor Steve D’Arcy.

The Malmesbury Civic Trust also provided support for the funding and backing of the acquisition.

Key figures in the area reacted positively to Malmesbury Town Council’s purchase of the site.

Roger Budgen, chair of St. Paul Malmesbury Without Parish Council, said: “The acquisition of this historic piece of land has the potential to bring increased benefits to the wider community, not least of which is the safeguarding of the much-valued pedestrian route into town for householders from Common Road and Foxley Road.”

Hayley Webb, chair of the MLOF, added: “The MLOF is delighted to have assisted in the purchase of what we hope will become an area of the riverbank that is accessible to all for the wellbeing of the community.”

“This is an exciting development for Malmesbury, and now that the contracts are signed, we can move straight on to the next stage of restoring and preserving this wonderful asset for the community,” Cllr D’Arcy said.