Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Wiltshire Council news from Ernie Clark.

Your Independent councillor for Hilperton.

The Government is bringing in new rules to free-up larger social houses for families that need more bedrooms. Wiltshire Council will be writing to all those likely to be affected by the changes and are working with key partners to make sure information and support is available to those who need it. You can find out more information on WC's new under occupation for housing benefit page (sorry the address is so long!) www.wiltshire.gov.uk/counciltaxhousingandbenefits/welfare2012reform/newunderoccupationrulesforhousingbenefit.htm

I have been contacted by several local residents regarding a rumour concerning the new affordable houses at the junction of Ashton Road and Hilperton Drive. I have spoken to the Head of Allocations and Options at Wiltshire Council about the two houses which will be 'retained' by WC and not available to Aster Communities (who will manage all the properties). She assures me that the council will make best use of the two properties by allocating homeless FAMILIES to them. It is not WC policy to waste scarce resources (family sized houses) by under occupying them with only one person. I am happy for any concerned resident to speak to me direct if they wish.

Local people are being urged to have their say on plans which set out how to protect Wiltshire communities from anti social behaviour. The Wiltshire and Swindon Community Safety Partnership has produced a draft strategy to outline how organisations across the county will work together to reduce anti social behaviour. Before the strategy is finalised the local organisations working together to make communities safer want as many as people as possible to give their views. The consultation closes on 31 December 2012. Paper copies can be obtained by contacting Wiltshire Council on 01225 716610.

Doric Developments/Ashford Homes has two pending applications for the old nursery site in Marsh Road. One is for temporary storage whilst the latest (W/12/01840/OUT) is, again, for housing. 30 houses are shown on the outline application with 12 of them being 'affordable'. The office accommodation has been removed from the earlier (refused) application to be replaced by extra houses.