Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Wiltshire Council news from Ernie Clark.

Your Independent councillor for Hilperton.

The way you register to vote is going to change.

The move to Individual Electoral Registration is well underway, and will be in place by the end of 2014. The Electoral Registration and Administration Bill working its way through parliament will introduce a major change to our system of electoral registration – Individual Electoral Registration (IER), which will require electors to register individually rather than through heads of household.

The government responded to preliminary consultation by removing the ‘opt-out’ option from its original proposals, and there will be a civil penalty for individuals who fail to register following a system of reminders. It has also made some concessions on the timetable, although the aim is still to have IER in place for the general election in 2015.

At a recent meeting of Trowbridge Area Board, Martin Aldam (Senior Transport Planner, Wiltshire Council) advised that there was a 'major scheme' to alleviate delays at the bridge over the Avon. Thoughts of the long awaited by-pass for Staverton flashed through my head; but then I made the mistake of asking what the scheme involved.

Apparently (and I asked the question twice as I couldn't believe my ears the first time) the 'major scheme' is to make the B3106 between Staverton and Holt one way, then change the phasing of the traffic lights!!! Words fail me but I'm sure that Staverton Parish Council and their WC councillor (Trevor Carbin) will agree with my opinion that this is a bad joke. If this scheme solves the major delays experienced by people trying to get to/from work I will willingly eat a huge slice of humble pie.

The new ‘East of Trowbridge’ primary school is due to open in September 2014. By law, it has to be a government new-fangled 'academy'. It will be 'one form entry' when it opens but will have the flexibility to become 'two form entry' as it grows. Consultation on the new school has started and it will be funded by Section 106 money from the houses now being built in the Green Lane area.

Once the primary school is out of the way perhaps the education department at County Hall will focus their attention on the need for a secondary school this side of Trowbridge.