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Warminster Town Council Budget 2020/21
Thursday 30th January 2020:
Warminster Town Council Budget 2020/21
Warminster Town Councillors have unanimously voted to approve the town councils’ budget and precept for 2020/2021.
The precept request is for £1,180,666. The new Band D equivalent charge will be £191.75 per annum. The weekly Band D equivalent will increase by £1.22 per week, that is £63.79 per annum.
The main reason for the increase is the decision by town councillors to take some of the services currently provided by Wiltshire Council, as Wiltshire is unable to fund them at the level. Taking on the services will involve the town council in cutting many grassed areas, management of some hedges/shrubs/shelter belts and trees. It will also involve maintenance of some footpaths, leaf clearance, balancing ponds and litter bin emptying. Also included with be the management of Pine Lawns cemetery and the weekly market.
Town councillors concluded that it would be prudent for Warminster Town Council to increase the sum allocated in the budget for the provision for services to be devolved from Wiltshire Council from £300,000 to £350,000.
Councillor Chris Robbins, Deputy Mayor of the Council said: “The town council has carefully considered what is best for the town and we strongly believe that local control will bring with it local improvements to services. The public consultation has been strongly in favour of the action the town council is taking and we hope people bear with us through this period of transition. Although this is a significant rise in the town councils’ portion of Council Tax, this level of increase will not be repeated in future years.”
Warminster Town Council Budget 2020/21
Warminster Town Councillors have unanimously voted to approve the town councils’ budget and precept for 2020/2021.
The precept request is for £1,180,666. The new Band D equivalent charge will be £191.75 per annum. The weekly Band D equivalent will increase by £1.22 per week, that is £63.79 per annum.
The main reason for the increase is the decision by town councillors to take some of the services currently provided by Wiltshire Council, as Wiltshire is unable to fund them at the level. Taking on the services will involve the town council in cutting many grassed areas, management of some hedges/shrubs/shelter belts and trees. It will also involve maintenance of some footpaths, leaf clearance, balancing ponds and litter bin emptying. Also included with be the management of Pine Lawns cemetery and the weekly market.
Town councillors concluded that it would be prudent for Warminster Town Council to increase the sum allocated in the budget for the provision for services to be devolved from Wiltshire Council from £300,000 to £350,000.
Councillor Chris Robbins, Deputy Mayor of the Council said: “The town council has carefully considered what is best for the town and we strongly believe that local control will bring with it local improvements to services. The public consultation has been strongly in favour of the action the town council is taking and we hope people bear with us through this period of transition. Although this is a significant rise in the town councils’ portion of Council Tax, this level of increase will not be repeated in future years.”
Contrasting Weather
Tuesday 28th January 2020:
Contrasting weather. Sunshine in the foreground on the Camp Ground, Boreham Farm, and a stormy sky behind Battlesbury Hill, Warminster. Tuesday 28th January 2020. Photograph taken by Danny Howell.
Contrasting weather. Sunshine in the foreground on the Camp Ground, Boreham Farm, and a stormy sky behind Battlesbury Hill, Warminster. Tuesday 28th January 2020. Photograph taken by Danny Howell.
Warminster Town Council To Take Action To Combat Climate Change
Tuesday 28th January 2020:
Warminster Town Council To Take Action To Combat Climate Change
Warminster Town Councillors have unanimously voted to approve a series of action to help combat climate change. At a meeting of the Full Council on Monday 20th January 2020,
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of:
• Setting up a climate change working group to produce a climate change action plan. This would consist of three Councillors and be open to outside representatives. The working group will report back to the Full Council.
• Conducting a green audit of its activities.
• Taking on a leadership, education and information providing role regarding climate change action.
• Continuing to support the work of Neighbourhood Plan Review Working Group in creating “A Place for the Future”.
• Working in Partnership with the Warminster Area Board and Wiltshire Council on their climate change agenda/actions.
• Striving to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.
The three Town Councillors that were nominated to be part of the working group were Councillors Denis Brett, Steve Jeffries and Tony Nicklin.
Councillors also noted a report that contained other suggestions and ideas that could be discussed by the working group.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Brett said: “ I am delighted that there has been such a positive response to the report and the recommendations from the public and from Sustainable Warminster. I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and members of the public to turn these
ideas into positive actions. As a first step the Council has agreed (at the same meeting) to switch to a renewable
energy supplier for Council buildings.”
Warminster Town Council To Take Action To Combat Climate Change
Warminster Town Councillors have unanimously voted to approve a series of action to help combat climate change. At a meeting of the Full Council on Monday 20th January 2020,
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of:
• Setting up a climate change working group to produce a climate change action plan. This would consist of three Councillors and be open to outside representatives. The working group will report back to the Full Council.
• Conducting a green audit of its activities.
• Taking on a leadership, education and information providing role regarding climate change action.
• Continuing to support the work of Neighbourhood Plan Review Working Group in creating “A Place for the Future”.
• Working in Partnership with the Warminster Area Board and Wiltshire Council on their climate change agenda/actions.
• Striving to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.
The three Town Councillors that were nominated to be part of the working group were Councillors Denis Brett, Steve Jeffries and Tony Nicklin.
Councillors also noted a report that contained other suggestions and ideas that could be discussed by the working group.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Brett said: “ I am delighted that there has been such a positive response to the report and the recommendations from the public and from Sustainable Warminster. I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and members of the public to turn these
ideas into positive actions. As a first step the Council has agreed (at the same meeting) to switch to a renewable
energy supplier for Council buildings.”
Fowler BB1 Traction Engine At Boreham Farm, Warminster
Tuesday 28th January 2020:
The photograph above shows a Fowler BB1 steam engine in use at Arthur Bazley's Boreham Farm, Warminster, during the 1920s. It replaced a Fowler K7 ploughing engine, No.15279, and another Fowler engine, No.15278, purchased by Arthur Bazley in 1919.
Does anyone, by chance, have any pics of the Fowler K7 ploughing engine, No.15279, or the other Fowler engine, No.15278, purchased by Arthur Bazley in 1919, during the time they were at Boreham Farm, Warminster?
The photograph above shows a Fowler BB1 steam engine in use at Arthur Bazley's Boreham Farm, Warminster, during the 1920s. It replaced a Fowler K7 ploughing engine, No.15279, and another Fowler engine, No.15278, purchased by Arthur Bazley in 1919.
Does anyone, by chance, have any pics of the Fowler K7 ploughing engine, No.15279, or the other Fowler engine, No.15278, purchased by Arthur Bazley in 1919, during the time they were at Boreham Farm, Warminster?
Some Mobile Library Stops For 3rd January 2020 Are Cancelled
Thursday 2nd January 2020:
Wiltshire Library Service have apologised in advance for the South Mobile Library being cancelled on Friday 3rd January 2020, due to staffing issues. The stops affected are: Sutton Veny; Heytesbury; Chitterne; Tilshead; Codford; Upton Lovell; Wylye and Hanging Langford. Wiltshire Libraries say they are very sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
Wiltshire Library Service have apologised in advance for the South Mobile Library being cancelled on Friday 3rd January 2020, due to staffing issues. The stops affected are: Sutton Veny; Heytesbury; Chitterne; Tilshead; Codford; Upton Lovell; Wylye and Hanging Langford. Wiltshire Libraries say they are very sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
A New Poem From Leo Aylen Of Bishopstrow
Wednesday 1st January 2020:
Danny Howell writes — Leo Aylen, of Bishopstrow, has sent me his latest poem:
2020
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
Danny Howell writes — Leo Aylen, of Bishopstrow, has sent me his latest poem:
2020
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This precious stone set in the silver sea —
This gross tyrant’s plaything. His serpent-vile
Tongue dupes his feeble subjects to agree
With banishing truth for ever from this state
Where he now reigns as Emperor of Lying,
While cringing cronies wheedle “A just Fate
Keeps the poor poor. Best leave them to their dying.”
No! It’s England that’s died. Irishman! Scot!
Help! You’ll shatter the tyrant’s chains for sure.
Even the Welsh may bin his fascist rot.
Help us, brave Celts, as you have done before.
March south. Set us self-shackled English free
From this truth-obfuscating tyranny.
A View From Battlesbury Hill, Warminster, Across The Wylye Valley To Great Ridge Wood On Christmas Day 2019
Wednesday 25th December 2019:
A view from Battlesbury Hill, across the Wylye Valley, to Great Ridge Wood - in hazy sunshine on the afternoon of Christmas Day 2019. Photograph by Danny Howell.
A view from Battlesbury Hill, across the Wylye Valley, to Great Ridge Wood - in hazy sunshine on the afternoon of Christmas Day 2019. Photograph by Danny Howell.
A Watery Scene At Corton On Christmas Day 2019
Wednesday 25th December 2019:
Sundial Farm, Corton. Partially-flooded field adjacent the winterbourne and Gipsy Lane, Corton, in the Wylye Valley. Photograph taken by Danny Howell on the afternoon of Christmas Day 2019.
Sundial Farm, Corton. Partially-flooded field adjacent the winterbourne and Gipsy Lane, Corton, in the Wylye Valley. Photograph taken by Danny Howell on the afternoon of Christmas Day 2019.
Groundwater Flooding Can Be An Issue In Warminster
Monday 23rd December 2019:
Warminster Town Council have issued the following notice about groundwater flooding ~
Groundwater flooding can be an issue in Warminster. Groundwater levels in parts of Wiltshire are currently higher than average for this time of year, and although there is not expected to be an immediate risk of groundwater flooding, it is important that people are prepared.
Groundwater flooding can cause significant damage to property. It is difficult to predict when and where groundwater flooding will occur, but Warminster Town Council works with the Environment Agency and Wiltshire Council and its volunteer flood wardens to ensure Warminster is as resilient as possible when dealing with potential flooding.
It is important that people are prepared, so they know what to do in the event of a flood, and that they are signed up for Environment Agency flood alerts. Anyone in groundwater flood risk areas should be wary of an increased risk of flooding in Warminster this winter.
Warminster Town Council has a supply gel-sacks (an alternative to sandbags, that swell up after contact with water) that it can issue to residents in an emergency. Warminster’s flood plan is available on the Town Council website, as are contact details for Warminster’s and volunteer flood wardens.
See also
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/civil-emergencies-flooding
and
https://flood-warninginformation.service.gov.uk/warnings
Warminster Town Council have issued the following notice about groundwater flooding ~
Groundwater flooding can be an issue in Warminster. Groundwater levels in parts of Wiltshire are currently higher than average for this time of year, and although there is not expected to be an immediate risk of groundwater flooding, it is important that people are prepared.
Groundwater flooding can cause significant damage to property. It is difficult to predict when and where groundwater flooding will occur, but Warminster Town Council works with the Environment Agency and Wiltshire Council and its volunteer flood wardens to ensure Warminster is as resilient as possible when dealing with potential flooding.
It is important that people are prepared, so they know what to do in the event of a flood, and that they are signed up for Environment Agency flood alerts. Anyone in groundwater flood risk areas should be wary of an increased risk of flooding in Warminster this winter.
Warminster Town Council has a supply gel-sacks (an alternative to sandbags, that swell up after contact with water) that it can issue to residents in an emergency. Warminster’s flood plan is available on the Town Council website, as are contact details for Warminster’s and volunteer flood wardens.
See also
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/civil-emergencies-flooding
and
https://flood-warninginformation.service.gov.uk/warnings
Bus Left Early From Stonehenge School
Wednesday 11th December 2019 ~
Liam Barnett writes:
At around 2.53 p.m. the coach that collects students from Stonehenge School and drops them off in Shrewton left way too early, which caused a couple of students to miss the bus, since they were just leaving lesson. I told the bus driver to wait on these pupils and he just completely ignored me, even though he should of, since it wasn’t even time to leave. (If it is any help he was the bus driver that is on your main page). I think it is completely wrong for him to do this and it should be dealt with accordingly.
Liam Barnett writes:
At around 2.53 p.m. the coach that collects students from Stonehenge School and drops them off in Shrewton left way too early, which caused a couple of students to miss the bus, since they were just leaving lesson. I told the bus driver to wait on these pupils and he just completely ignored me, even though he should of, since it wasn’t even time to leave. (If it is any help he was the bus driver that is on your main page). I think it is completely wrong for him to do this and it should be dealt with accordingly.
Wren House Vintage Christmas Craft Fayre, Warminster
Wednesday 20th November 2019:
Vintage Vintage Christmas Craft Fayre
at
Wren House,
32 Vicarage Street, Warminster, BA12 9JF
on
Saturday 23rd November 2019
11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Warminster Christmas Market & Christmas Lights Switch-On 2019
Saturday 16th November 2019:
Warminster Christmas Market
and
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 30th November 2019
Warminster Town Council To Improve Provision For The Hard Of Hearing At Warminster Civic Centre
Saturday 16th November 2019:
Warminster Town Council To Improve Provision For Ther Hard Of Hearing At Warminster Civic Centre
Members of Warminster Town Council’s Finance and Assets Committee have agreed to a range of measures to improve facilities for the hard of hearing and other users of the Civic
Centre at Sambourne Road, Warminster.
There are four elements that are being tackled to make the council more user-friendly for the hard of hearing:
• A counter loop system for the reception counter at the Civic Centre – this is to enable any hard of hearing people to be able to communicate better with staff on reception.
• A portable microphone and speaker system for use in any of the rooms. This can be used for any council or public meeting. It will also be used by users of the Civic Centre.
This will be a huge boost for those hiring rooms for meetings, because it will allow all people to hear much more clearly.
• A static hard of hearing loop – for use by users of the Arn and Copheap rooms.
• Table microphones – for small ‘working group’ type meetings where no loudspeaker is required.
A demonstration of the equipment was organised by the company Gordon Morris Ltd. for councillors and members of staff, who were highly impressed by the systems.
The advantages of introducing the proposed systems are:
• It meets statutory requirements.
• It is flexible and can be added to in the future if needs be.
• Multiple user groups will benefit.
• It is easy to use and maintain.
• It is a co-ordinated system with great flexibility.
Assistant Town Clerk Tom Dommett said: “The current provision is dated and inadequate. This decision by councillors will be widely welcomed. Estimates suggest that one in six of the UK population have a hearing loss and by 2035, about 15.6 million people in the UK will have hearing loss – that's one in five of the population. In addition, a much-improved microphone and speaker system will make the Civic Centre more attractive to people looking for a room
to hire for a large number of people.”
Warminster Town Council To Improve Provision For Ther Hard Of Hearing At Warminster Civic Centre
Centre at Sambourne Road, Warminster.
There are four elements that are being tackled to make the council more user-friendly for the hard of hearing:
• A counter loop system for the reception counter at the Civic Centre – this is to enable any hard of hearing people to be able to communicate better with staff on reception.
• A portable microphone and speaker system for use in any of the rooms. This can be used for any council or public meeting. It will also be used by users of the Civic Centre.
This will be a huge boost for those hiring rooms for meetings, because it will allow all people to hear much more clearly.
• A static hard of hearing loop – for use by users of the Arn and Copheap rooms.
• Table microphones – for small ‘working group’ type meetings where no loudspeaker is required.
A demonstration of the equipment was organised by the company Gordon Morris Ltd. for councillors and members of staff, who were highly impressed by the systems.
The advantages of introducing the proposed systems are:
• It meets statutory requirements.
• It is flexible and can be added to in the future if needs be.
• Multiple user groups will benefit.
• It is easy to use and maintain.
• It is a co-ordinated system with great flexibility.
Assistant Town Clerk Tom Dommett said: “The current provision is dated and inadequate. This decision by councillors will be widely welcomed. Estimates suggest that one in six of the UK population have a hearing loss and by 2035, about 15.6 million people in the UK will have hearing loss – that's one in five of the population. In addition, a much-improved microphone and speaker system will make the Civic Centre more attractive to people looking for a room
to hire for a large number of people.”
Liam VT Guitar Tuition
Friday 15th November 2019:
Liam VT Guitar Tuition - check it out all you would-be axe musos in and around Warminster - all ages, all abilities. facebook.com/LiamVTguitar/