Play and Sports Strategy
Transferring of Town Assets
Devolution
What is Devolution?
Devolution is the process of transferring town assets from North Somerset Council to Weston-super-Mare Town Council. This process is about giving more power and responsibility to local areas, so decisions are made closer to the people they affect.
In Weston-super-Mare, this means the Town Council is working with North Somerset Council to take on the management of certain local assets, such as parks, green spaces and community facilities.
Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all national approach, devolution empowers the whole community — including the council, residents, community partners and organisations — to unlock the full potential of the area. It allows investment to be directed towards local assets, ensuring that growth and opportunity are built around what makes Weston-super-Mare unique.
Local councils are closest to people and places. They have the power to listen, the duty to act and the ability to make impactful change.
Local councils are closest to people and places. They have the power to listen, the duty to act and the ability to make impactful change.
Firstly, thank you!
We genuinely appreciate everyone who takes the time to report issues, share ideas or tell us about their local play area. That local knowledge is incredibly valuable and helps us understand what matters most to our communities.
As your Town Council continues to take on responsibility for more community assets through our Devolution Programme, and our play portfolio increases we want to make sure that future investment in play is planned in the best possible way.
Rather than making decisions one play area at a time, we are developing a comprehensive Play and Sports Strategy that will help guide investment over the coming years. The strategy will look at the needs of communities across Weston-super-Mare, assess existing facilities, identify gaps in provision and prioritise where future investment can make the greatest difference. It will also consider future funding opportunities and develop long-term action plans for key sites.
Working alongside independent specialists, Sports and Play Consulting, we are reviewing play areas and free-access sports facilities across the town. This work includes site assessments, mapping existing provision, engaging with stakeholders and developing recommendations that will ensure every pound invested delivers the greatest possible benefit for residents.
This strategy isn’t simply about replacing equipment. It’s about creating a long-term plan that ensures future investment is based on community need
Local councils are closest to people and places. They have the power to listen, the duty to act and the ability to make impactful change.
Looking after the Play Areas we have today…
While this work is underway, we know it is equally important to look after the facilities people use every day.
All play areas managed by Weston-super-Mare Town Council will continue to be regularly inspected, maintained and repaired where required and we can to ensure they remain safe, accessible and fully compliant with health and safety standards.
If you spot an issue with one of our play areas, please continue to let us know. Your reports help us respond quickly and make sure our inspection programme remains effective. .
Building a better future together
We will continue to share updates as the strategy develops and let you know how your feedback is helping to shape the future of play across Weston-super-Mare. This strategy isn’t simply about replacing equipment. It’s about creating a long-term plan that ensures future investment is:
Thank you for continuing to work with us to make our town an even better place to live, play and grow.
Glossary
• Devolution – Transferring responsibility and ownership of assets and services to a more local level
• Asset Transfer – Moving ownership or management of land or facilities between organisations
• Business Case – A detailed plan assessing costs, benefits and risks
• Sustainability – Ensuring something can be managed and maintained long-term
• Community Benefit – Positive outcomes and impact for local people and neighbourhoods
• Freehold Transfer – Full legal ownership of land or property
• Interim Agreement – Temporary arrangement before full transfer
