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.
March 2007
One Council for Wiltshire
You will probably be aware that a submission to create one council in Wiltshire is currently under consideration. An information pack about the bid, which has been made by the county council and supported by North Wiltshire District Council, will be with all parish councils next week. In the meantime, visit www.onecouncilforwiltshire.co.uk for the latest news and to find out more.
Rights of Way (ROW) Improvement Plan
Wiltshire County Council has embarked on a plan to improve the public rights of way throughout the county. This will be a wide ranging exercise during which the council will be talking to walkers, horse riders, cyclists, carriage drivers and drivers of motorised vehicles to receive their views on how the management of the 6,000 Km of public footpaths, bridleways and byways can be improved over the next ten years. Apart from looking at the physical condition of the rights of way, the plan will consider other ways in which these important routes can benefit local communities. The aim is to make Wiltshire’s countryside more easily accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Every parish council will be fully consulted during the spring and all views will be welcome. Further information is available on the county council website at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/public-rights-of-way-improvement-plan.htm
Edington - Former School
The county council has obtained planning permission for the conversion of the former school at Edington to two dwellings. The property was used by Edington Villagers Ltd. for community purposes until 2005 after the school closed in 1996 when this use became unviable. It will be put on the market for sale in the spring. Further details of the planning permission (no. 06/03872/FUL) can be obtained from the West Wiltshire District Council website (www.westwiltshire.gov.uk)
For more information please contact John Price on 01225 713231 or Tim Slater on 01225 713249.
Merger of Box Highlands and Corsham Primary Schools
A consultation about the possible closure of Box Highlands School and amalgamation with Corsham Primary School to form one primary school on two sites is underway. The aim of the proposed merger is to help the children of Box Highlands achieve better standards, restore parents’ confidence in the quality of education provision and safeguard the interests of pupils during the transition time. Consultation papers have been widely circulated and the consultation period ends on 23rd March. The consultation document is available from 5th March on the ACKnowledge website (www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk/default.aspx )
Wiltshire & Swindon Minerals and Waste Development Framework - Consultation of Future Documents
As you are aware, Wiltshire County Council and Swindon Borough Council publish documents for public consultation as part of ongoing work in the preparation of the Wiltshire and Swindon Minerals and Waste Development Framework. Under UK planning regulations, we are required to ensure that organisations such as parish and town councils, who have been identified as key stakeholders in the planning process, are kept fully informed of progress made in preparing the Minerals and Waste Development Framework. During a previous consultation period, a number of respondents voiced concerns regarding the volume and necessity to distribute the documents in paper form.
To address the concerns raised and to ensure the continued involvement of key stakeholders, we are developing a questionnaire so that your council can state its preference on how you wish to be consulted in future. We will be sending this out shortly and would be grateful for your assistance in resolving this matter. If you have any queries, please email mineralsandwastepolicy@wiltshire.gov.uk
Launch of the SmartBusiness project
Launched at the end of January, this project is being delivered under the e-wiltshire banner to support businesses in Wiltshire and rural Swindon move up the e-adoption ladder and maximise their use of the broadband infrastructure. The project will also launch the e-marketplace which is being adopted by local authorities in Wiltshire to new and existing public sector suppliers. The project will also support tourism operators with a 3-5 star or diamond rating in their adoption of the new destination management system being rolled out across the south west region.
Disability Equality Scheme and Race Equality Scheme
Wiltshire County Council is committed to making our services accessible and appropriate to the needs of all the residents of Wiltshire. To help us improve our service delivery and responsibilities as an employer in relation to equality and diversity, we have recently updated our Race Equality Scheme and Action Plan and introduced out first Disability Equality Scheme and Action Plan. Until the end of March, we are seeking to engage diverse peoples from across Wiltshire in giving us their views about the two action plans. It would be appreciated if you could contribute to this consultation process; the feedback form is available on the county council website (www.wiltshire.gov.uk/equalities.htm)
Parish Stewards
The Spring programme is now out. You can see it on the county council website with the accompanying letter (www.wiltshire.gov.uk/transport/highways-parish-stewards-scheme.htm). This is a less wasteful way of viewing this information and future programmes will be posted this way in the future. However, the county council will continue to supply printed copies to those who prefer this format.
Innovation Survey
At the end of January, an innovation survey was posted to 3200 businesses in Wiltshire and Swindon. The purpose of the survey is to benchmark activity with a view to developing an innovation strategy and delivery plan as well as a multi-year business support programme.
Changes to re-cycling services in West Wiltshire
From 1st April, 2007, West Wiltshire residents will be asked to stop including cardboard and vegetable peelings in their fortnightly green waste collection. This action is being taken to preserve the quality of the green waste that is composted by Wiltshire County Council’s contractors, Hills Waste.
More information is available on the county council website (www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parish-news).
Hand-held mobile phones - changes in the penalties
From 27th February, 2007, it will be illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving. The penalties for doing so are increasing to a £60 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
More information is available on the Think Road Safety website (www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/mobilephones/mobilephones.htm)
Contact the Road Safety Unit 01225 701970 for leaflets and posters
Speeding Traffic
Is speeding traffic a problem in your area? Email the Wiltshire & Swindon Safety Camera Partnership at safetycameras@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk and we will investigate.
Veterans Agency
Anyone who served in HM Forces, regardless of when, how long for and whether in conflict or peacetime is by definition a veteran. The Veterans Agency is the focus within MoD for providing free information and advice on issues that concern veterans and their families. Whatever the enquiry, be it accessing service records, information about war pensions, health concerns or any other issue, the Agency is there to help. To access the support on offer simply call the Veterans Agency helpline on: 0800 169 2277 (Freephone)
Quick Links
For information about Wiltshire’s latest road works (www.wiltshire.gov.uk/transport/clarence-roadwatch/roadwatch.htm)
For information about bridges currently under construction (www.wiltshire.gov.uk/transport/bridge-strenthening/bridges-currently-under-construction.htm)
For the recently updated “A guide to the costs of highway works in Wiltshire” (www.wiltshire.gov.uk/guide-to-the-cost-highway-works.pdf)
This newsletter is produced by the communications team at Wiltshire County Council.
We would be pleased to receive your comments/feedback and any changes of address / parish clerk details to: brendapyne@wiltshire.gov.uk or mail to the Communications Unit, County Hall, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8JN
