Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

My take on a few local topics.
District Council news from Ernie Clark, your Independent district councillor for Hilperton, Semington and Staverton parishes.

Well, yet another month goes by with nothing much to report. I presume that, at some point, the current administration will grasp the nettle and actually make a decision of some (any?) importance – time will tell.

You may have read that Westbury and Warminster have had their ‘free’ two hour car parking restored to them by the district council; what wasn’t so well reported however, is the fact that the two town councils will be compensating WWDC for the loss of income. In other words, parking fees will now be subsidised by everyone in the town that pays council tax. As this includes pensioners and those that choose to use public transport, is that really fair?

I spent two days last month attending the Public Inquiry into Persimmon’s application to build across the would-be route of the Staverton diversion. The legal arguments were fascinating to listen to and, after I had spoken, I was cross-examined by the barrister representing Persimmon, and he seemed overly eager to get me to admit that I was "keen" to prevent the housing from going ahead. I don’t know what he had up his sleeve, but I succeeded in avoiding ‘the word’ and so he moved on to other topics. He really seemed to be unable to grasp the fact that a (good) councillor represents the people that elected him/her!! The decision has already been announced - the Inspector upheld the appeal, thus allowing the building to go ahead.

On the subject of planning, I’m told that some of the local developers think that Trevor and I give them too hard a time. I wonder what makes them think that?

Marshgate has decided to go to an Inquiry over the refusal to grant planning permission for the pub at Paxcroft Mead (it’s now been turned down three times by the planning committee). The date has been set for Tuesday 07 February 2006.

I hope that everyone has a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year, and who knows what ‘excitement’ may happen at WWDC during 2006?