Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Wiltshire Council news from Ernie Clark.

Your Independent councillor for Hilperton.

It would seem that the new grass cutting contract has now settled down. It certainly caused more complaints than anything else since I have been a local councillor.

The grass should now be cut on a regular basis but an interesting point arose from the poor start to the contract. A number of people commented how the ‘non amenity’ grass actually looked better for being allowed to grow and have some flowers in it. Wiltshire Council has now said that parish councils can ask for areas of grass not to be cut on such a regular basis but, perhaps, just twice a year. I would be interested to hear what people have to think about this suggestion.

The draft Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Public Safety Plan 2013-16 is now open for consultation. The plan sets out what the Authority has been doing to reduce risk within the community and how it intends to continue that over the next three years. The plan is available on the WFRS web site www.wiltsfire.gov.uk Comments should be sent to consultation@wiltsfire.gov.uk before the 1st August.

Cattle are once again in 'The Gap' fields. I'm sure that most people are aware of the recent death in Bradford on Avon of a walker who was trampled to death by a herd of cows whilst he crossed a field.

Anyone using the footpaths through the Gap should be cautious if cattle are about, particularly if they have calves with them, and specifically if they are walking dogs (the people that is, not the cows!!) If you have a dog, and cattle approach you, the advice is to let the dog off of its lead as the cattle are more interested in the dog than you. The dog has a better chance of escape if off the lead - and it should save you as well.