Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Wiltshire Council news from Ernie Clark.

Your Independent councillor for Hilperton.

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone ‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’.

The recent full Wiltshire Council meeting was eventful to say the least.

Many topics were aired, not least the obscene, in my opinion, increases to the councillor allowance scheme. Quite how the Conservative group could sit there straight-faced and say that increases of upto 37% were justified I will never know. With the next WC election over three years away, the administration is no doubt hoping that people will have forgotten their ‘snout in the trough’ attitude by then.

There was also discussion about a Governance Review. This is the process whereby Trowbridge Town Council hopes to extend its territory into Hilperton (and other surrounding parishes) and thus ease the burden on their (the town council) finances. Of course, any residents affected would see their Council Tax leap nine or ten fold. A working party has been established at WC which will report back in 2014. In the meantime, Hilperton Parish Council is already preparing its case to present against the town council’s money-grabbing scheme.

The two new grit bins (part funded by the parish council) have now been installed and filled. Both the bins are on the hillier parts of Paxcroft Mead. Other parts of Hilperton had requested bins and these will be considered should further funding be found. The problem isn’t the capital cost of the bin but the logistic of actually keeping it supplied with grit during the winter months. Could I please emphasise that the grit is for use on the public highway, NOT on householder’s front drives or pathways.

The proposals for the revised parking restrictions in Hilperton should be published soon. I will ensure that residents receive a ‘flyer’ if they are likely to be effected.