Residents are understandably concerned that they are effectively being charged twice — paying both the parish council precept, from which many feel they receive limited direct benefit, and separate estate fees for the maintenance of public open spaces.

It was positive to read that the management agent, Remus, has contracted Swindon South Parish Council (SSPC) to empty the litter bins on Badbury Park. Hopefully this arrangement will be delivered at a lower cost than the previously quoted £10,000 from the new landscaping company.

It is also worth noting that SSPC already cuts the grass verges on adopted roads on behalf of Swindon Borough Council, and will now also be responsible for emptying litter bins. In addition, there are plans for SSPC to take over management of the two allotments.

Given SSPC’s growing role on Badbury Park, residents may reasonably ask whether it would now make sense for the parish council to also take responsibility for the two play areas currently managed by the management company. Likewise, as SSPC already has staff and mowing equipment working on the development, it would seem logical to consider whether they could also maintain all public open space grassed areas more efficiently and cost-effectively.