Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

.Wiltshire Council news.

Work on the Gap road continues apace. There is still something of a ‘battle’ going on behind the scenes involving myself and the WC councillor for Trowbridge Paxcroft Division working together to get sense out of certain WC officers. The relevant corporate director at WC is now involved and a question has been submitted for full council too.

The latest un-authorised ‘variation’ of a condition by a WC officer related to wheel washing facilities. A planning condition clearly stated that such facilities were required ‘To ensure that materials from the site are not deposited on public roads’. When I contacted the planning enforcement team to ask why there weren’t wheel washing facilities, I was told that a WC highways officer had told the contractors that using a road sweeper two or three times a day would be okay!! Needless to say I didn’t share this opinion and, all things being equal, the wheel washing facility should be in place by the end of the month – better late than never I guess.

Hilperton’s Lovely War (based on Oh, What a Lovely War) is coming to the village hall soon. Unlike some local productions, all profits from this production will be donated to service charities. Performances will be on Thursday 13th November, Friday 14th November and Saturday 15th November at 7.30pm with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm. Details from 766522 or 763767.

I am still receiving complaints about the new T1 bus service; both its time keeping and the fact that it doesn’t include Paxcroft Mead. As this is a ‘private’ First bus service it will take a while to get the issues resolved. In the meantime it is vital that the 234 serving Paxcroft Mead is well used in order to prove that there is a demand for a bus service.

The process of the Local Governance Review (which could see about 200 homes on Paxcroft Mead being moved into Trowbridge Civil Parish) continues. A schedule for meetings between WC and all the parishes is being drawn up. When the opinion of the public is sought, I will ensure that all affected homes receive notification.