Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

This is a good chance for your to give your views on local matters.

People in the Trowbridge community area will have the opportunity to give their views on what the priorities should be when Wiltshire Council (WC) sets its budget for next year.

The matter will be discussed when the Trowbridge Area Board next meets on Thursday, January 28 at The Civic Hall, Trowbridge. The meeting starts at 7.00pm but free tea, coffee, biscuits etc. are available from 6.30.

People attending can engage in the council's budget setting process for 2010/11, by voting on which services should receive more, the same, or less money next year.

"The area board is where anyone from the town and the villages can get the chance to discuss local issues that concern them and receive answers from relevant council officers. They are an essential part of local democracy in a more relaxed setting," said area board chairman Cllr. Ernie Clark.

The very full agenda includes a report on smoking in children's play areas, an initial update on the transformation of County Hall (inc. Trowbridge library), an update on children's centres and the proposed sale of Margaret Stancomb School site.

In addition, the board will once again decide on grant applications from local community groups.

The Trowbridge area board covers Trowbridge and the villages of Hilperton, North Bradley, Southwick, and West Ashton.

Nine local councillors represent the area and make up the board. They are Ernie Clark, Stephen Oldrieve, Peter Fuller, Helen Osborn, Tom James, Jeff Osborn, John Knight, Graham Payne and Francis Morland.

A member of Wiltshire Council's cabinet - the main decision-making body of the council - also attends the meeting. The area board focuses on local issues that affect local people. Anyone can raise their concerns via the board members or the local community area manager or via this link. For further information about the meeting, please contact Rachel Efemey, Trowbridge community area manager, on 01225 718608 or rachel.efemey@wiltshire.gov.uk