www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Parish Newsletter - February 2008
Towards One Council for Wiltshire
Parish and Town Council 'Meet and Greet' Sessions
Jane Scott, leader of the council, has written to all clerks notifying them that a further series of 'Meet and Greet' sessions will be held in the spring to update parish and town council representatives and discuss the progress towards One Council for Wiltshire. There will be five evening events which will start at 6.30 p.m. and last for approximately two hours. Due to the anticipated interest, we would be grateful if you could limit your representation to two councillors please.
The events will be held as follows:
- Monday, 14th April at Wessex Room, Corn Exchange, Devizes
- Wednesday, 16th April at Neeld Hall, Chippenham
- Thursday, 17th April at Chestnut Room, County Hall, Trowbridge
- Tuesday, 22nd April at Cavel Room, Sarum College, Salisbury
- Wednesday, 7th May at the upstairs room, Town Hall, Marlborough
Please contact our customer care unit on 01225 713000 or email customercare@wiltshire.gov.uk to confirm the names of your representatives and the evening they would like to attend.
Boundary Review Update
The Boundary Committee have recently informed the county council that it hopes to commence the review by the end of February. The review will only take place however if the Stuctural Change Order, which creates the new unitary council, has been made by that time. The Boundary Committee are required to await for this parliamentary approval before commencing the review. It has also offered to brief representatives of all parish and town councils on the review process. This briefing will take place on15th February at 1.00 p.m. in the council chamber at County Hall.Parishes are requested to restrict their attendance to one representative only.For any further information on this presentation and to confirm your attendance, please contact Wendy Packer on 01225 713018.
It is hoped that the county council will sign off the submission to the Boundary Committee and a special meeting on 18th March has been earmarked at this stage for this purpose. Discussions with specific parish and town councils are continuing soa draft proposal can be prepared. We hope to be able to consult all parish and town councils formally on these draft proposals soviews can be reported to the meeting of the county council before the submission is agreed.
For more information, contact John Quinton on 01225713054 or email johnquinton@wiltshire.gov.uk
Streetscene
Find out more each month on individual streetscene topics from our new streetscene fact sheet page on the county council website. This month we are featuring nuisance and abandoned vehicles. Visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/streetscene-fact-sheet.htm
Road Casualties
The 2007 road casualty report for the roads in Wiltshire and Swindon is now available on the county council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/road-safety-casualty-reduction.htm Thisincludes the trunk roads and motorways and gives details of the numbers of collisions that have occurred on those roads in 2006 and our progress towards the 2010 Government set casualty reduction targets.
Closure of rural post offices
Proposals to close 19 rural post offices in Wiltshire are being strongly opposed by the county council. Council leader Jane Scott has written to the Post Office highlighting the impact such a cut in services would mean for local people. The letter outlining the reasons for the council's objections to these proposed closures follows a six-week consultation by the Post Office. The county council believes rural post offices play a key role in local communities giving local people access to vital services and supporting other rural businesses.
Budget recommendation will maintain service levels
On Friday, 1st February, the county council cabinetrecommended a budget that maintains levels of service in the face of increased costs. The proposed £250m budget for 2008/09 also provides an extra £600,000 for additional maintenance work on the county's potholes, drainage and pavements. The draft budget maintains existing levels of service despite increasing demands for adult and children's social services and rising costs of waste disposal due to Government targets.
Overall, the recommended budget would mean a 4.8 per cent increase in the county council's share of the council tax bill if it is approved by full council on February 12.
Equality & Diversity - how well is the county council doing?
Have you taken the opportunity to comment on the council's Equality Action Plan yet? The consultation ends on 29th February and you can have your say by:
- visiting the council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/equalities
- contacting the county council Customer Care Unit on 01225 713000 for a copy of our consultation document
- visiting your library to obtain a copy of our consultation document or to access the council's website using the People's Network computers.
Putting the challenge back into play
A free one day conference is to be held at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge on 17th March. The conference covers the issues surrounding allowing children to engage in play which carries any kind of risk. There will be eminent speakers and experts there who will be able to give advice on all aspects of children's play on your playgrounds and playing fields. Attached is more information and booking form from Carolyn Port, the play development advisor for the county.
Wiltshire Music Centre
The Wiltshire Music Centre has announced details of its Spring 2008 season. It is a very special season for the centre as it is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008. The centre, which is located in Bradford on Avon, receives financial support from the county council, the district councils and many town councils, as well as commercial and private supporters. More information and "What's On" can be found at www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk
Date set for Westbury Bypass Hearing
A date for the public inquiry into the Westbury bypass has been set. Itis expected to start on 29th April and last for 24 working days. It is hoped the inquiry will be held locally, but all the plans can still be seen by visiting www.westburybypass.com
Castledown school closure
The decision to close Castledown School was approved on January 7 giving the go-ahead for the new academy to be built. A decision to close the school was needed by February 2008 so that plans for the academy can proceed. The academy will be built on the site of the existing Castledown School in Ludgershall and will serve the same community.
The innovative scheme will provide one of the first rural academies in England and Wales and will see a major public school investing time and expertise in the running of a state school.
Contact Details
This newsletter is produced by the corporate communications team at Wiltshire County Council. We welcome your comments - please contact
By post
Communications Unit
County Hall
Bythsea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JN
By email
