Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

WC has refused to print the following letter...

Cllr. Oldrieve and I asked WC to print the following letter so that we could deliver them to our constituents.  The council refused...

 

'Dear Resident,

We believe it is time for further action :

1. To save the Gap from housing development
2. To change the Wilshire Council intention of allowing the maximum speed limit to be 50mph along the new roads.

 

It is the intention of the Hilperton Gap Action Group to lobby the Wiltshire Council meeting on Tuesday 14^th July at County Hall.  As your elected representatives on Wiltshire Council  weare asking  for a further demonstration of the strength of feeling by residents of Hilperton and Trowbridge.

We propose to rally at 10am Outside County Hall and then enter the Chamber to speak to the whole Council including the Leader and Cabinet.(Leaving chamber about 11am).

 

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

 

Together with HGAG we have been in discussion with Officers and Cabinet members on the issues, but have received no assurances that the feelings of the community will be met. In addition:

 

• There are eye witness accounts of detailed surveys taking place in the fields for housing
• Despite the unanimous opinion against a 50mph limit  along the new stretches of Leap gate Road and The Hilperton Relief Road, from the Parish & Town Councils, Police, two schools and the Paxcroft Mead Residents Association, the cabinet member for Highways has made it known he is minded to stick with the 50mph proposal.

 

We urgently need the same show of strength to match other rallies. We appreciate the difficulty of a daytime meeting but feel the Council should be made to face and listen to those it serves. It is now or never.

 

Cllr. Steve Oldrieve, Trowbridge Paxcroft Division

Cllr. Ernie Clark, Hilperton Division.'

 

I have NEVER had such a request refused before.  I understand that it is a duty of WC to assist councillors in their role and I don't know what has prompted this change of attitude.  I hope that the whole thing is a mis-understanding by a WC officer - but I have my doubts...