Issue - meetings

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Warminster Area Board and asked members to introduce themselves. He explained that the public would be encouraged to participate in this meeting. The Chairman then welcomed the new Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, to the meeting, and also Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

Flooding

In response to new flooding legislation, Wiltshire Council had set up operational flood working groups to collate information on flood and drainage issues. Parish and Town Councils were being invited to assist by providing information on all types of flooding issues within their areas. Information packs were available for each Parish and Town Council and they should be passed to the Community Area Manager at the next meeting.

A ‘Flood Fair’ for Town and Parish Council was being held at the Olympiad Leisure Centre, Chippenham, on 14 April 2010 from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. Parish and Town Council representatives wishing to attend should contact Renate Malton – renate.malton@wiltshire.gov.uk.

Gypsy and Traveller Consultation

An 8-week consultation on gypsy and traveller site issues would be running from Tuesday 6 April until Friday 4 June. This was the first stage in the process of preparing a Gypsy & Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document. All information would be available from the end of March online at:

www.wiltshire.gov.uk/gypsyandtravellersiteallocationsdpd, and in the main Council offices and at local libraries. Drop-in events were also planned between 4.00pm and 8.00pm as follows:

Neeld Hall, Chippenham – Wednesday 5 May 2010

Corn Exchange, Devizes – Tuesday 11 May 2010

Salisbury – venue and date to be confirmed

Special Educational Needs Consultation

A consultation was being carried out on the review of Special Educational Needs provision. The closing date for the consultation was 12 noon on Monday 24 May 2010. Any queries on the proposals should be directed to Tracy Gates, the Project Officer, on 01225 756170 or to tracygates@wiltshire.gov.uk.

There would be the opportunity to meet with officers to discuss the proposals at Kingdown School in Warminster on Thursday 22 April at 7.00pm.