Minutes:
The Chairman referred to a number of announcements that were detailed in the supplementary paper handed out at the meeting, as follows:
RAF Lyneham
James Gray MP had secured a Parliamentary debate on the future use of RAF Lyneham on 26 January. The Armed Forces minister, replying to the debate, promised a decision on the base no later than the end of July 2011.
The full debate could be viewed online at:
http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=7416&player=windowsmedia
In the meantime, Wiltshire Council continued to work in conjunction with the Military Civilian Integration Programme (MCI) to address the wider issues that would need to be addressed. Further announcements would be made in due course.
A vote of thanks was paid to James Gray MP for all his efforts in having secured the recent Parliamentary debate on the future use of RAF Lyneham.
Lime Kiln Leisure Centre
In response to the recent fire at Lime Kiln Leisure Centre, both Wiltshire Council and DC Leisure were committed to re-opening the centre, and potential dates for re-opening would be made available to the public as soon as possible. In the meantime, any queries could be directed to the Olympiad on 01249 444144 or by emailing enquiries@limekilnlc.co.uk.
Library Services Review
Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet had approved a vision for the future of the library service, which aimed to retain all 31 of the county’s libraries and its mobile service. The county’s 21 largest libraries, including Wootton Bassett Library, would operate with new core opening hours.
The council would now work in partnership with local communities to help keep 10 of the county's smallest libraries, including Lyneham and Purton Libraries, open. Anyone wishing to know more about volunteering opportunities should contact Rebecca Bolton on 01225 713706.
Trans-Wilts Rail Link – Potential Re-opening of Wootton Bassett Railway Station
Wiltshire Council was sponsoring the TransWilts Rail Link, together with Wessex Chambers of Commerce and TransWilts Community Rail. This included consultancy work to validate the capacity projections which underlined the business and community case for the service.
The TransWilts Rail proposed provision of a regular rail service (6 times daily in both directions) for both commuters and non-commuters between Salisbury and Swindon from December 2011.
The potential reopening of Wootton Bassett Railway Station was included in Wiltshire Council’s new Local Transport Plan - due to be approved by Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet on 15 February 2011.
Further public information on the proposal was available on the Trans-Wilts Rail Link website at http://www.transwiltsrail.org.uk/ where consultation responses could be submitted on-line until 18 February 2011.
Dog Control Orders
Wiltshire Council was currently consulting on proposed new Dog Control Orders. The consultation paper, including full details of the proposal, could be accessed via the link below, together with a questionnaire for making comments, by 7 February 2011.
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council/consultations.htm
Further information was available from Simon Cleaver, Pest Control and Dog Warden Service Manager on 01225 776655, or be emailing simon.cleaver@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Street Trading
Wiltshire Council had produced a new draft scheme in relation to street trading. A full copy of the proposed scheme and consultation survey was available online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council/consultations. All interested parties should return written responses to the Wiltshire Council Licensing Team by 17 March 2011.
Further information could be requested from Alissa Davies on 01249 706414, or by emailing alissa.davies@wiltshire.gov.uk.