Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Impact of the credit crunch to be explored.
Local economic experts have been invited to the meeting which will take place at the 8trium at the West Wiltshire District Council offices on Thursday 22nd January at 7pm. Visitors to the meeting will be able to have a say on any matters being discussed.

During the evening an 'impact of the credit crunch' presentation will be given by George Bright, former Wiltshire College Principal and Chair of the West Wiltshire Economic Partnership who is undertaking a study about the implications of the present economic climate on Wiltshire's economy for the Wiltshire Assembly.

Jeff Osborn, Chairman of the Trowbridge Pilot Area Board said "The role of the Pilot Area Board is to look at local issues in the community. The current economic climate is a key focus for the meeting as it is a real priority and will impact on everyone in the area. This meeting provides an opportunity for local people to take part in this debate and offer suggestions for how government and local organisations can help."

Also on the agenda is a presentation by NHS Wiltshire who will be talking about the proposal to build a new Primary Care Centre in the town. This will allow the board to discuss the merits of the application and the potential impact of the development on adjacent land and sporting facilities.

The Area Board is made up of members from the current district and county councils, the community partnership, parish and town councils, police and health professionals. It looks at a whole range of issues relevant to the community and aims to listen to and act upon the views of local people.

Area Boards are being trialled across Wiltshire at the moment in the run up to the establishment of the new Wiltshire Council, which comes into being on April 1.