Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Wiltshire Council news from Ernie Clark.

Your Independent councillor for Hilperton.

By the time you read this, you will know whether WC has increased its precept for 2014-15. There was no increase but, instead, a cut to services.

Elsewhere in the county precepts have increased. The police upped theirs by £3.15 per annum for a Band D property whilst the fire authority increased theirs by £1.24 per annum and Hilperton parish council by £1.56 per annum.

The planning application, reference 14/00592/FUL, for the construction of a solar farm near the canal at Marsh Farm has been submitted. It includes ground mounted solar panels, transformer stations, landscaping, security fencing, access gate and ancillary infrastructure. Any comments should be sent to Wiltshire Council but please forward a copy to me.

My thanks to the many people who contacted me about a recent photo in the Wiltshire Times. The photo caption was incorrect!!

For some reason, the paper labelled myself and three other Independent councillors as being Lib Dem. Can I please assure you that this is incorrect. I, and the other councillors in the picture, are, and remain, INDEPENDENT in order that we can serve you without the constraints of party politics.

Motorists are being urged to drive safely and sensibly as Wiltshire sees record rainfall levels. The emergency services are already stretched helping the most vulnerable in our communities, and every time they have to help drivers who have driven through the floods, this could delay other vital, lifesaving work. Drivers should never move road closure signs, or attempt to drive through roads which have been closed due to flooding – both of these are a potential offence. Where roads are open, but have some minor flooding, drivers must slow down and drive according to the conditions. Many houses are at danger of flooding by the bow wave from fast-moving vehicles, and pedestrians can be drenched with unclean water. This is also and offence and motorists could also be prosecuted for this.