www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Parish Newsletter
Welcome to the ‘Wiltshire News’ – a parish newsletter which provides information for parish and town councils about the work of Wiltshire County Council. It contains brief summaries of key reports, consultations and news with links to further information on our website (www.wiltshire.gov.uk) and it will replace the large amount of paper-based information we currently send to councils.
February 2007
One Council for Wiltshire
Wiltshire County Council, supported by North Wiltshire District Council, has submitted a bid for unitary status to government. Town and parish councils are set to play a crucial part in proposed area boards across Wiltshire’s 20 community areas.
The 4 consultation meetings held with towns and parish councils in January demonstrated considerable local interest in the prospect with upwards of 220 local councillors and clerks attending.
Should the business case be accepted by Government, there will be a further statutory period of consultation with towns and parishes from April as part of a full communications strategy around the proposed changes.
The full submission is available in paper copy format by ringing Emma Vowles on 01225 713017 or available to read on the county council website.
Budget Setting
The county council is due to set its budget for 2007-08 at a meeting of the full council on 13th February. Information about the budget decision will be placed on the county council’s website shortly after this meeting.
A report on the decision will also be included in the next (March) edition of the Parish Newsletter.
New look for public transport services
Following a review of some of its transport services, Wiltshire County Council is now working on implementing a new flexible transport strategy for the county which involves streamlining some services and gaining value for money through some important changes. The council will be involving communities by providing ways for them to give structured comment and dialogue on service delivery. The county council is also in the process of buying seven new vehicles which will form part of Connect2Wiltshire, the new county identity for all flexible services. Also part of the new Connect2Wiltshire network will be the Boomerang, the RUH Hopper and Wigglybus operations.
For more information, contact Tim Reynolds on 01225 713371
Parish Stewards
The parish stewards’ April to June programme will be sent to parish and town councils in mid-February. It will describe the visit dates for these months and be accompanied by a letter which gives details of our new partnership working with the district councils on the perennial problem of weeds. We are currently resolving the details of what we all hope will prove to be a significant improvement in weed treatment for 2007.
HMI of Probation - Initiative to recruit black and minority ethnic (BME) inspection staff
For the past few years, there has been limited success in attracting applications from suitable BME candidates for the posts of HM Inspector and Practice Assessor. The county council has been asked by HMI Probation for its help and support in circulating information about a scheme which is taking place as one of a number of other initiatives to ensure a diverse workforce with HMI Probation. This particular initiative takes the form of a shadowing scheme for BME probation and YOT staff in an effort to promote equality of opportunity. It will inform and encourage potential applicants specifically from BME groups to apply for posts where they have been previously under-represented. More information can be found on the county council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parish-news
Link Good Neighbour Volunteers
Link schemes in Wiltshire offer support to many people who find difficulty in getting about - perhaps to a doctor’s appointment or just getting their shopping. Volunteers provide transport in their own cars and are paid mileage expenses. They also offer help which would be expected of a good neighbour helping people to live independent lives in their own homes. There are 42 link schemes based in local communities and volunteers enjoy helping others, getting to know their community and often making new friends.
If you have a little time to offer, this could be the opportunity you have been looking for. Please get in touch for more details.
The Link Project, Community First on 01380 722241 or www.wiltslink.org.uk
News in Brief
With Spring fast approaching, you may have enquiries regarding hedges, obstructions, mud on the highway etc.
For information on all these issues and more, visit our A-Z of Highway Services on the WCC website.
New telephone number for popular taxi service
Users of the popular “Bassett Boomerang” taxi service in the Wootton Bassett area will have to ring a new phone number to book their trips The taxi service gives people living in the Wootton Bassett area better access to public transport to enable them to travel into the centre to use shops and facilities as well as to connect with local buses. The shared taxi service serves Tockenham, Bushton, Broad Town, Grittenham, Sodom, Clyffe Pypard, Cotmarsh and Thornhill.
From Monday 29 January the service will be operated by Bradies Taxis and Private Hire. People wishing to book the service should ring 01249 890794
Community Highway Meetings
Bookings are being made at various venues for the annual highways meetings. These will take place in late April and throughout May. Invitations to these events will be sent to all parish councils during February. Your local highways teams look forward to meeting you and showing you some of our newest equipment and systems. Everyone who has attended these meetings in the past has reported them to be informative and helpful.
Retirement of Dennis Compton
Senior Highway Technician, Dennis Compton, retired on 6th January, 2007, after completing 40 years of service.
Environmental services director, George Batten, spoke on behalf of Dennis’ many friends and colleagues from around the county. He told of Dennis’ loyalty and many achievements since joining the county council as a carpenter in Wilton.
More details of Dennis’ life and career can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parish-news
This newsletter is produced by the communications team at Wiltshire County Council.
We would be pleased to receive any comments / feedback and any changes of address / parish clerk details to:
Contact Details
By post
Communications Unit
County Hall
Bythsea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JN
By email
