Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

There could be trouble ahead ...

2011 could start with an interesting discussion about which parish parts of Paxcroft Mead should be in.

I understand that Trowbridge Town Council (TTC) seems to be keen on getting parts of Paxcroft Mead classed as Trowbridge rather than Hilperton.

They seem to think that they have a logical reason for their desire to cost house owners more in council tax, but some might see it as a revenue increasing exercise for them.

Currently, a Band D house in Hilperton parish pays £10-99 a year council tax whereas the Trowbridge equivalent is £111-00.

It would also seem that Trowbridge wishes the area west of the (as yet unbuilt) Gap road to become Trowbridge as well.

2011 could prove to be an interesting year for relations between the two councils. Now that the suggestions are in the public domain (I presume they weren't confidential, they certainly aren't now) it will be interesting to see whether TTC will contact the parish council about them ...

Incidentally, it isn't only Hilperton that TTC has it's sights set on. Other surrounding parishes should also be on their guard.