MINUTES of a meeting of WILTON TOWN COUNCIL held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS, KINGSBURY SQUARE, WILTON on TUESDAY, 5th FEBRUARY 2008 at 7.00pm

Present: Cllr I Seviour, Mayor of Wilton in the Chair

Cllr Mrs C Blackman

Cllr Miss M Clarke

Cllr T Abbott

Cllr T Batchelder

Cllr J Hinnis

Cllr P Matthews

Cllr J Rhind-Tutt

Mrs A C Purves Town Clerk

Mr H Abel Minute Secretary

Also Present: Cllrs P Edge (SDC), Cllr J Holt (SDC) and Sgt Nick Cane (Wiltshire Constabulary)

Public Comments and Questions

Sgt Nick Cane – Presented the police report. There had been 14 reported crimes in Wilton in January compared with 26 in January 2007. Of these, six were for criminal damage. None of them had yet been detected although the overall detection rate during the past six months was up on the previous year. Following criticism about difficulties getting through to the police 0845 number, Sgt Cane invited Members to record current response times which are now improved.

A G E N D A

Apologies: Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Mrs B Belk, Mrs J Griffin and I West (WCC).

16.08 Minutes

The Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on Tuesday 8th January 2008 were approved as a correct record (prop Cllr Rhind-Tutt, sec Cllr Matthews – unanimous.)

17.08 To receive any Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Parish Councils (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007.

None were stated.

18.08 To consider any urgent business raised by the public in public discussion

None had been raised

19.08 To receive and ratify minutes of:

a. Finance and General Purposes Committee Meeting of 15th January 2008

The Minutes were ratified and accepted as a true record (prop Cllr Batchelder, sec Cllr Mrs Blackman - unanimous)

It was agreed that items 7. – consideration of a one way system in central Wilton and 9v. concerning the distinction between Members representing the Town Council and personal opinion be placed on the agenda for the next F&GPC Meeting.

b. Planning Committee Meeting of 8th January 2008

The Minutes were accepted as a true record (prop Cllr Rhind-Tutt, sec Cllr Mrs Blackman - unanimous)

20.08 To receive reports from:

a. The County Councillor for Wiltshire – Wilton & Wylye Division

Cllr Ian West had offered his apologies.

b. Salisbury District Councillors for Wilton

Cllr J Holt reported on the following:

·  Bus Problems – Cllr Holt has established that missing buses is not a phenomenon peculiar to Wilton. The problem will be discussed at the next Western Area Committee on Thursday 7th February at Bishopstone. Cllr Matthews wondered why real-time satellite technology couldn’t be connected to the timetable relays currently used at many bus stops. If this were done, notification of cancelled buses or late-running buses would be flagged up to those waiting. Cllr Rhind-Tutt expressed concerns about pollution caused by diesel buses.

·  Roundabout at A30-A36 crossroads – He is continuing to pursue this issue.

·  Accommodation for Youth Club – He wondered if the District Council Archive could be moved elsewhere and the building used for local youth.

·  Roads in Wilton – The main road is in a dreadful state and clearly needs attention. Cllr Matthews suggested a deputation go to the next Full Meeting of the County Council. It was agreed to refer this matter to the next F&GPC Meeting.

Cllr P Edge reported on the following:

·  Wilton’s assets – Cllr Edge recommended that Members pursue this matter.

·  Church Lighting in Town Centre – Was it possible to come up with a scheme to enhance Old St Mary’s Church lighting?

·  Bell Lane Development – this is under discussion with the planning department.

·  West Street – It is understood that Wessex Water are delaying the repair of drains in West Street. Road repairs cannot go ahead until the drains are dealt with.

·  Albany Terrace – The planning application for development of 4 dwellings will be ‘called in’ for discussion at the Western Area Committee to attempt a resolution of potential parking problems.

·  Post Office Closures – the SDC Administration is against the closure of Post Offices in rural areas and is making representations to that effect.

·  One way system for central Wilton – Cllr Edge warned that this would not be possible without a traffic order and this could take a long time to procure.

·  Use of the title Councillor in communications with the media – Cllr Edge recommended that SDC’s legal officer be consulted.

c. The Trustees of the Michael Herbert Hall

The next meeting for the Trustees will be on Tuesday 12th February.

d. The Representatives of Wiltshire Association of Local Councils and Community First

The next meeting will be on Saturday 1st March. Cllr Matthews invited Members to submit any items they would like included on the agenda.

e. The Town Plan

Cllr Batchelder reported on the following:

·  The full application grant of £3,500 has been received from Community First.

·  A letter had been received expressing doubts about the future of the Town Plan. Investigation suggests that it comes from the Compost Corner contributors to Valley News

·  The next meeting will be held on March 6th.

21.08 Finance

A schedule of accounts in the sum of £3,950.55 dated 5 February 2008 was approved for payment

(prop Cllr Rhind-Tutt, sec Cllr Kinsey - unanimous)

22.08 To receive an update on the Wilton Middle School site

No further news.

23.08 To discuss the County Council’s proposal to dispose of part of the site of the former Wilton CE

Middle School

A letter has been received from County Council announcing that WCC proposes to dispose of the grassed sports pitch (12,308 sq metres) and the hard surfaced courts (3,280 sq metres). Responses to this suggestion are requested by 3rd April 2008.

It was proposed that the Town Council suggest the retention of the hard surfaced area for community use. (prop Cllr Abbott, sec Cllr Matthews nem con with Cllr Miss Clarke abstaining)

It was also agreed that the Town Clerk be instructed to investigate whether or not any restrictive covenants applied to part, or all, of the former Middle School site.

24.08 To note any information regarding the proposed Unitary Authority

The Town Clerk reported that there would be another “Meet & Greet” meeting at Sarum College organised by WCC on 22 April to inform Parish and Town Councillors and discuss progress so far. Cllr Hinnis and Matthews undertook to attend on behalf of the Town Council.

25.08 Chairman’s Report

Cllr Seviour reported representing the Town Council at a lunch in the Guildhall for the Support the Bangladeshi Cyclone Appeal.

The Mayoral Ball will take place on April 26th at the Michael Herbert Hall.

The Mayor announced his intention to set up a dedicated appeal bank account.

It was proposed that a letter of appreciation be sent to Peter John, headmaster of the Wilton Junior School on his forthcoming retirement.

26.08 Town Clerk’s Report

The Town Clerk reported on the following:

·  The Wilton Summit Meeting is planned for the 28th February at 6.00pm at the Pembroke Arms Hotel. Cllrs Seviour, Batchelder and Matthews will attend.

·  The Town Council is invited to submit an application for a South Wilts Area Grant (SWAG). Closing date for applications is 18th February. It was agreed to instruct the Town Clerk to enquire of the County Youth Officer how much was needed to expedite the provision of Youth Club accommodation in a temporary building and then submit an application for a SWAG for that amount.

·  Cllr Matthews wished to disassociate himself from the views expressed by former Town Councillor and Mayor, Keith Male, in the February edition of Valley News. Cllr Mrs Blackman said that she felt insulted by the article, and other councillors also indicated their dismay.

27.07 To confirm the date of the next Full Council meeting

Tuesday 4th March 2008

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.30pm.

Wilton Town Council Meeting – Tuesday 5th February 2008