There are 2 tiers of local government which serve the residents of Bradford on Avon: Wiltshire Council (unitary authority) and Bradford on Avon Town Council (parish council).
You can find out more about councils on the government’s website: understand how your council works
Our aims & objectives
Our aim is to create a strong and resilient community, where everyone has opportunities to be part of the success of the town.
For us, a successful town means:
- a thriving town
- a flourishing community
- a greener place
- an engaged town council.
We also believe that how we act and how we work is just as important as what we do.
- we aim to support and nurture the town, valuing community and leading by example
- our decisions and our actions are shaped by the climate crisis and the ecological emergency that we are all facing – and the town council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019.
We hold the General Power of Competence and this allows us to do more in the town. The General Power of Competence gives councils the power to do anything an individual can do provided it is not prohibited by other legislation.
You can view a list of everything that we do at the town council below.
And these are some of the things that what we’re frequently asked about – with links to more detailed information elsewhere on our website.
- manage and look after Places & Spaces in the town, including St Margaret’s Hall, other buildings, green spaces, and play areas
- manage the town cemetery on Holt Road
- manage the allotments on Frome Road and at the Shoulder of Mutton
- support community groups and local charities – and run a community grants scheme
- support and work with volunteers in the town
- check and empty the litter bins in the town, keeping Bradford on Avon clean and tidy
- run the weekly town market in the library car park each Thursday
- provide information about what’s on and what’s happening in Bradford on Avon
- run the Tourist Information Centre in Westbury Garden – and the Explore BOA website
- manage the youth centre and BOA Youth.
The town council is also the sole and managing trustee for the following charities:
- Colonel William Llewellen Palmer Educational Charity
- Bradford on Avon Playing Fields Association
- Bearfield Playing Field
- Festival Garden
Other organisations
Since the 2022 asset transfer, our responsibilities have expanded, but there are still several areas outside our remit.
For instance, flooding and matters related to the River Avon are managed by the Environment Agency, while issues like potholes fall under the responsibility of Wiltshire Council.
The Canal & River Trust manages the canal network in the town, including Bradford on Avon Wharf.