Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The Conservatives close ranks.

The shocking start to the new grass cutting contract was debated today at the full meeting of Wiltshire Council.

Following a debate lasting over an hour the Conservatives 'block voted' that the contract should NOT be referred for formal scrutiny.

A great shame that a 'free vote' was not allowed on an issue that has caused so many complaints - but I'm sure that the Conservatives had their reasons; not least that it was they who negotiated the contract...