Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Labour minister comes to gloat at our democratic loss.
Jane Scott and her Conservative allies, with the aid of a few Lib Dem councillors, have worked hard to rob Wiltshire people of any real influence in their future.

The minister met the 'Implementation Executive', formed almost wholly of Conservative councillors, which is overseeing the transition to one new council.

"Wiltshire is showing how local government can be better, closer to the people it serves, and can deliver better local services. The benefits are clear - better use of taxpayers' money, better local services and stronger local leadership to deliver the economic development that is so needed today across Wiltshire. That's why we gave the go-ahead to these local proposals for change," explained Labour Minister John Healey in a statement released by the department for communities and local government following his visit.

The Labour minister also took time to visit the one council for Wiltshire roadshow.

Jane Scott, Conservative Chairman of the Implementation Executive said; "The Labour minister was delighted with our progress to merge the councils in Wiltshire and was clearly pleased that we are on target and on budget. He recognised the amount of work involved and hard work and commitment to make sure that there is a smooth transition from five councils to one council".

Quite how the new council will be 'closer to the people' is something that only a few, mainly Conservative, councillors can see - they obviuosly have the benefit of seriously rosetinted spectacles!