Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Why the public tend to not believe what local politicians say.
Quote. "The Tory administration had lost the faith of councillors with its raft of funding cuts".

Proposed action. Amongst those now facing funding cuts are the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Wiltshire wildlife projects, and various arts and voluntary sector organisations.

Quote. "We are here to support the residents of the area".

Proposed action. Pull out of 'Sustain the (Salisbury) Plain', remove the rural transport contribution, don't renew the lease on Avoncliffe car park, cease to support the provision of toilet facilities at the Lock Inn at Bradford on Avon and increase burial charges. In addition, I am particularly annoyed that the Cabinet has decided not to fund improvements to Street Cleaning and Ground Maintenance - prime items of concern to the public and something which people expect, quite rightly, to be carried out to an high standard.

Quote. "I feel strongly about cuts to the Tourist Information Centres".

Action. Despite becoming Leader of WWDC, Cllr. Content did nothing about reversing the policy she was so critical of and allowed the cuts to proceed. To compound this rather sharp 'about face' it is now proposed that WWDC pull out of 'South West Tourism'. This is despite the fact that tourists bring a considerable sum into our local economy.

There were also comments from Lib Dem councillors about how important it was for WWDC to support the West Wilts Show - so what is proposed? To slash, or even end, WWDCs contribution to the event co-ordination.

In highlighting these few examples I realise that some people will agree with some, or even all, of the proposed savings. What I object to is the fact that Sarah can take one stance in May but a totally different one seven months later. Is this someone that we can honestly trust?

Charles Kennedy appears to be on the point of resigning as the Lib Dem leader, due to his being 'economic with the truth' in the past. Perhaps the Leader of WWDC would care to follow his lead?