Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton Parish Council

A new transport service is to be made available to residents of Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton from Monday 5th December. A ‘taxi’ will start from Berwick Bassett green at 8am and from locations in Winterbourne Monkton from 8.05am. This will connect with the 8.20 Wigglybus service from Avebury, travelling along the Kennet Valley arriving in Marlborough at 8.45am.
   This service runs Monday to Saturday and during school holidays enabling residents to reach Marlborough by 9am without having to cross the main road! Cost is £2.90 adult return to Marlborough and £1.45 for concessions (reductions for single or part journey). Return will be by Number 5 or Wigglybus and 49. Currently this is to be the only service for a trial period but, if it is used, the service may be extended to another run later in the morning which may be more suitable for some people. Please try to use this ‘taxi’ during the trial period so that this service remains and is extended. To book your place in the taxi ring 01249 742000 by 4pm the day before and let them know from where you want collecting.
    For those residents less able or with journeys to Great Western Hospital for example the Marlborough and District Link Scheme is available. Volunteer drivers and helpers will provide transport and assistance with shopping or household chores like changing curtains. Telephone 01672 514567 for transport and 01672 515678 for assistance. Volunteer helpers and drivers are always welcome and very much needed and appreciated. It’s a great way of helping those less fit and meeting new faces. Full expenses are paid. Telephone 01672 515944.
    Residents may have noticed that some large Sarsen stones have appeared on Winterbourne Monkton Green by the A4361. These stones were removed from the foundations of Church Lane Bridge having, reputedly, been part of a long barrow known as Millbarrow. It is intended that these stones remain as commemoration of this part of village history and will be erected in position on the green by Wiltshire County Council. Work on the new bridge is almost complete, complementing the bourne widening already carried out and further alleviating flooding risk to the residents further up-stream.
    The Parish Emergency Plan has been updated and is held by each councillor, the clerk and the Community Emergency Officer, Penny Gold. Contact numbers will be included in the updated ‘Welcome’ leaflet which will be distributed to each household in the first instance but is primarily intended for new residents to the villages. Please keep these numbers safe should you need them. In an emergency first call the emergency services on 999 and then an emergency contact should it be required..
    Finally, but very importantly, the Parish Council are pleased to announce that there will be no increase in the amount residents will pay to the Parish next year. This is the fourth year that the precept has remained the same and is the third lowest (by 11p!)  in Kennet District. 

 The Parish Councillors would like to wish all residents a Happy Christmas and Peaceful and Safe 2006.
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The Parish Council will be holding the Annual Parish Assembly in The New Inn, Winterbourne Monkton at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 19th April. The meeting will include some guest speakers, a look at the council year and a chance to meet with your Parish, District and County councillors. All residents are welcome. If anyone has difficulty with transport please contact the clerk. Further information will follow in future editions of this publication.
Improvements have been made to the visibility of traffic leaving Winterbourne Monkton roads onto the A4361. New white lines have been painted on the exit of Church Lane and much overgrown hedgerow has been cut back improving the visibility from other exits. Thanks to local residents, farmers and Sarsen Housing.
The Wigglybus trial service was not used by many residents. It is unlikely, therefore to continue. A request will be made to Wigglybus for a service later in the day. Further information will follow as available.
The Church Lane Bridge was opened before Christmas. We hope that the new broader and higher span will further improve flood prevention adding to the channel widening 3 years ago. Large Sarsen stones recovered from the foundation of the old bridge are thought to have previously formed part of Mill Barrow. These have been erected on the green in front of Middle Farm Cottages. Many thanks to Wiltshire County Council for works to the bridge and the erection of the stones, also to local landowners and residents for their co-operation and patience during the period of reconstruction.  

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Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton Parish Council
Annual Parish Meeting / Assembly
 Wednesday April 19th  in The New Inn, Winterbourne Monkton

  Approximate order of events :- 

The Parish Council will be holding the Annual Parish Assembly in The New Inn, Winterbourne Monkton at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 19th April, preceded at 7pm by an informal opportunity to meet with WPC Haddrell The meeting will include a speaker from Wiltshire Fire Brigade, a look at the council year and a chance to meet with your Parish, District and County councillors. All residents are welcome. If anyone has difficulty with transport please contact the clerk.

Kennet District Council have announced that their refuse collection service will change from July 3rd 2006. This will be a weekly collection on Tuesdays. One week will be a refuse collection and the other will be a recycling collection. Each household will be given a black wheelie bin and this will be emptied once a fortnight as the refuse collection. Households are unlikely to be able to have 2 bins unless circumstances are exceptional. Residents can prepare for this collection arrangement
Obtain as many additional black boxes for recycling paper, tins, cans, glass and fabric as you need (contact the clerk).
Register for one or more green wheelie bins for compostable waste (at an annual charge of £26). Winterbourne Monkton and Berwick Bassett will be on the route for this collection from April 1st. Bins can be shared between properties and/or streets. (01380 724911)
Order compost bins from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust at low prices (from £4). (0845 073 2002) These will be delivered to your door. Advice on composting can also be obtained from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Residents will be informed about details of their collection arrangements by Kennet District Council. Any queries should be made to Kennet District Council (01380 724911)

The Parish Council will be carrying out a Footpath Audit of the area. This is in order to verify that all footpaths are walkable and are clearly marked. If you would like to assist the audit by walking the footpaths (or riding the bridleways) and providing the council with information about blockages, hazards and signage issues, please contact the clerk

The Wigglybus trial service is still available. Please ring 01249 742000 before 4pm the previous day to book. Service departs Berwick Bassett at 8am and Winterbourne Monkton at 8.05 to arrive in Marlborough by 8.45 am.
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At recent council meetings deep concern has been expressed about the safety of the A4361 at Winterbourne Monkton and Berwick Bassett. These concerns have been heightened following the recent accident involving a young cyclist and a motor vehicle in which the youngster received serious injuries. We wish her a full and speedy recovery. As has been reported, several safety audits have been carried out by Wiltshire County Council Highways department. They have identified some problems with visibility and these have been addressed by some alteration of road markings and reduction of roadside vegetation. This council has made repeated requests for a speed reduction through the villages and for no overtaking along the Winterbourne Monkton village section. These have not been successful. The council has been advised that more individual requests from residents and visitors must be made. If you are concerned about the safety of the A4361 please write to Mr Andrew Wyatt at Wiltshire County Council and copy to County Councillor Chris Humphries (see below). A draft letter is available from the Parish Council if required.
Also of great concern has been the re-scheduling of the Secondary School Transport to St Johns School in Marlborough. It now leaves Berwick Bassett shortly after 7.30 and Winterbourne Monkton a little later, taking over an hour for the youngsters to reach school. The return journey is also affected, regularly taking up to 90 minutes for the journey from Marlborough. The youngsters already have to cross the busy A4361 at rush hour. During the winter this will be in the dark. There is to be a further review of the service in the summer. If you have concerns, whether as a parent, future parent or student, please write to Adrian Full at Wiltshire County Council Passenger Transport Unit. A draft letter is available from the Parish Council if required.

There has been much publicity about the proposed closure of the Savernake Hospital and its Minor Injuries Unit. Residents will be expected to take Minor Injuries and some outpatients to Chippenham Hospital and others to Great Western. There are meetings open to the public during June. See press for details . There are summaries of the proposals and response forms for completion on noticeboards in both villages. Please complete the forms and express your opinion.
Don’t forget that the new bi-weekly service for refuse collection will commence in July. Be prepared. More recycling boxes and the compost collection are available from Kennet District Council. Compost Bins are available from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Recycling directories giving lists of receiving charities are available from the Parish Council. Requests for additional refuse bins for larger households can be made to Kennet District Council and will be considered from August. Large Water Butts are available at subsidised prices from Thames Water.
The summer solstice this year is June 21st. Policing is expected to be as last year but residents are advised to be vigilant and report concerns to the police.
Janice Pattison , Clerk. 01672 539556
Addresses
AdrianFull@wiltshire.gov.uk or County Hall, Trowbridge BA14 8JD
AndrewWyatt@wiltshire.gov.uk or County Hall, Trowbridge BA14 8JD
cphumphries@southillfarm.co.uk Southill Farm, Aldbourne SN8 2DD
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk  

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The Parish Council continues to receive negative responses from Wiltshire Council regarding the speed of the A4361, timing and length of school transport journeys and Public Transport in general. The Parish Council has requested a speed reduction on the A4361 and/or other safety measures and a later departing and more direct school bus from the residential side of the road. If you would like to add your weight to the arguments please contact the persons below.
The Parish Council has been informed by passengers that the A49 and A43 timetabled connection service is no longer always ‘connecting’ on the route to Marlborough. This has been confirmed by Wigglybus who cannot wait if the A49 is late arriving in Avebury. This Connection cannot be relied upon. The Parish Council has been informed that the Wigglybus will be calling at Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton from September giving an hourly service to Avebury and Marlborough and return between 9.30am and 6pm. Details have yet to be confirmed but it is hoped that the service will come into the villages if requested by passengers.
The future of services at Savernake Hospital is still in doubt. To express your views collect a response form from the Parish Council notice boards , complete and return.
The first black wheeled bin collection will be made from Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton on TUESDAY 4th July. Recycling boxes and Green wheeled bins will be emptied on Tuesday 11th July. Residents have received a letter giving fuller details. Please contact Kennet District Council on 01380 724911 with any queries about the service.

Addresses
School Transport - AdrianFull@wiltshire.gov.uk or County Hall, Trowbridge BA14 8JD
A4361 - AndrewWyatt@wiltshire.gov.uk or County Hall, Trowbridge BA14 8JD
Copy to county cllr - cphumphries@southillfarm.co.uk Southill Farm, Aldbourne SN8 2DD
Parish Council - bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk or 191, Winterbourne Monkton  

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 The Parish Council has recently completed a short information booklet containing useful information for those living in the Parishes. It is intended for new residents but, initially, all residents will receive a copy. We would appreciate positive input or corrections to information if you would like to make some. We hope that it will be useful.
The bi-weekly refuse collections have now started. Please contact Kennet District Council on 01380 724911 with any queries about the service. From August Kennet District Council will be considering applications for additional refuse bins in exceptional circumstances but this will not be simply because a household has more than 4 occupants or you have a baby in nappies. A representative will come and check the contents of your bin to ensure that you are recycling as much as possible first! From August 1st there will be Plastic and Cardboard recycling facilities as well as glass and paper in the George Lane Car Park in Marlborough. This is in addition to those at Hopton Park, Devizes and at Compton Bassett. There will be the usual general purpose skips in Winterbourne Monkton and Berwick Bassett in the Autumn. Please check dates in the next issue of Upper Kennet News.
It is still proposed to introduce the ‘dial-a-ride’ Wiggly bus service to Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton from September 1st. The service will run hourly between 9am and 6pm. A draft timetable (not yet confirmed) will be placed in noticeboards. No improvement to the 43A school bus to St Johns, Marlborough has been suggested by Wiltshire County Council although there have been numerous complaints about the rescheduling and absence. Letters or e-mails can still be sent to Adrian Full at AdrianFull@wiltshire.gov.uk or County Hall, Trowbridge BA14 8JD.
Members of the public are welcome at our ordinary meeting as well as the Annual Parish Meeting (Assembly). A member of the public can ask questions on any item on the agenda. Items can be suggested for the agenda a week before the meeting so by the first Tuesday in the odd months. Meetings take place on the 2nd Tuesday of odd months so the next meeting is Tuesday September 12th. Agendas are placed on the noticeboards.
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  There will be a skip in The New Inn car park in Winterbourne Monkton from Friday 8th September and on The Green in Berwick Bassett from Friday 6th October both for the duration of the weekend. The contents of these will be heading for landfill so please use for items which cannot be recycled. We have been unsuccessful in requesting recycling skips but there are now skips for cardboard and plastic in Waitrose car park in Marlborough. These are open all hours.
The ‘dial-a-ride’ Wiggly bus service in Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton will start on September 4th. The service will run most hours, approximately on the half hour, between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. It will offer a service to Marlborough and Kennet Valley with some journeys to Calne and Cherhill. There will be stops at the post box in Berwick Bassett and at The Beeches and The New Inn in Winterbourne Monkton. This is in addition to the North Bound bus stops. The bus will only come to the villages if requested and will follow the route – Avebury, WM North bus stop, BB North bus stop, BB post box, WM The Beeches, WM The New Inn. It is not intended to pick up at south bound bus stops as the bus will come into the villages so that passengers do not have to cross the road! Users of the existing Wigglybus services find them very flexible and convenient. Please try it. To book a journey from Berwick Bassett or Winterbourne Monkton telephone 01249 460600 at least an hour before the bus is scheduled in your village. This will ensure the bus comes to the village and the ‘stop’ where you wish to start your journey. To alight in your village, catch the bus from Marlborough (or other requested stop) and inform the driver of your destination. If you are not travelling with a return ticket or 10 ticket book (the economical way to travel) you should book your return journey home preferably allowing 20 minutes before departure. There is a freephone for this at One Stop in Marlborough High Street.
At time of writing, no improvement to the 43A school bus to St Johns, Marlborough has been suggested by Wiltshire County Council although there have been numerous complaints about the rescheduling and absence. Letters or e-mails about this service or the service to Avebury Primary School should be sent to Adrian Full at AdrianFull@wiltshire.gov.uk or County Hall, Trowbridge BA14 8JD.
In May 2007 there will be an election for Parish Council and District Council. New procedures for voter registration will be available prior to these elections. A notice should be arriving with your post advising of the alternatives. You may be interested in standing for election to the Parish Council. If you think that you may be interested in being a Parish Councillor why not talk to one of your councillors or come along to one of the Parish Council meetings. Meetings take place on the 2nd Tuesday of odd months so the next meeting is Tuesday September 12th. Agendas are placed on the noticeboards.
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 There will be a skip on The Green in Berwick Bassett from Friday 6th October for the duration of the weekend. The contents of these will be heading for landfill so please use for items which cannot be recycled.

The ‘dial-a-ride’ Wiggly bus service in Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton has now started operating. This is proving a real benefit to many villagers providing a more flexible service almost from the passenger’s door to Marlborough or a village in between. There’s no longer any need to walk to the main road and cross the traffic! The service runs most hours, approximately on the half hour, between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. It offers a service to Marlborough and Kennet Valley villages. There are stops at the post box in Berwick Bassett and at The Beeches and The New Inn in Winterbourne Monkton. This is in addition to the North Bound bus stops. The bus driver will also stop to drop off, as requested, along the route, within reason. Villagers have started to use the Wigglybus and find it very flexible, friendly and convenient. Please try it. To book a journey from Berwick Bassett or Winterbourne Monkton telephone 01249 460600 at least an hour before the bus is scheduled in your village. This will ensure the bus comes to the village and the ‘stop’ where you wish to start your journey. To alight in your village, catch the bus from Marlborough (or other requested stop) and inform the driver of your destination. If you are not travelling with a return ticket or 10 ticket book (the economical way to travel) you should book your return journey home preferably allowing 20 minutes before departure. There is a freephone for this at One Stop in Marlborough High Street. Additional timetables or help with booking can be obtained from the clerk (number below). Pensioners free passes are available on this service subject to the usual criteria.

During August there were a number of thefts from outbuildings in Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton. Some of these have been from the same building on more than one occasion. Residents are advised to take increased precautions on their own property and be additionally vigilant of others. Please give any information to the Police and/or Alan Martin the local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.

This Council has received a number of complaints from residents about the inclusion of a microchip into the outside of their domestic wheelie bin. The Council has been assured by Kennet District Council that this chip is completely inert. It contains only the same number as on the outside of the bin and is currently not used for any purpose at all. It is possible at some time in the future that it may be used to trace a bin if it goes missing or, if national government were to order it in the future, to relate a bin number to the amount of waste contained in the bin. However, currently the system is not in place to do these things and, if and when the time comes, the public will be informed. Kennet District Council regret that residents may have been worried or upset by recent distorted national press coverage. It was purely their intention to save public money by buying the chip in the bin rather than the considerably more expensive option of purchasing and installing the chip at some future date should it become necessary. Public information was concentrated on the message of recycling. If you have a further query please contact Mark Boden, chief executive of Kennet District Council.
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 At the recent meeting of the Parish Council it was decided to retain the precept, the amount that each resident pays to support the Parish Council, was to remain the same as it has been for the last 4 years. This is one of the lowest rates in the whole of Kennet District Council area. One of the reasons that this is possible is because many people in the villages help each other and the community voluntarily. Those who do so in whatever way are much appreciated.
In preparation for winter, the grit bins in both villages are full. The grit is there to be used as required by residents and the travelling public but at the spreaders own risk. The main road will be salted but it is unlikely that any treatment will be given to the village roads. For winter weather and road information contact Clarence on 0800 23 23 23. Empty sand bags are also available from Parish Councillors in both villages. Residents who wish to do so can keep their own sharp sand (available from DIY stores) ready for filling the bags if required. Some sand may be available in an emergency but bags can also be filled with soil or grit if necessary. Bags should not be filled until required as the bags will rot.
At the time of writing, mid-November, the Environment Agency were still informing the Parish Council that it was their intention to clean the overgrowth in the bourne before the end of the month although they are actually under no obligation to do so. Should the Environment Agency not carry out this work, residents who own land by the bourne are requested to carry out work on their stretch to ensure free flow of water down-stream.
Residents may be aware that we have, for many years, been served by 2 men known as village lengthsmen who came 2 or 3 times a year and carried out routine maintenance. These have now been replaced by a Parish Steward. He will come more regularly and will carry out similar jobs, including clearing run-offs for surface water to run from roads to ditches, strimming verges to improve visibility and clean road signs. The Steward cannot carry out work on private property or that directed to him by the public. If you have an area of concern please inform the council clerk
Collections of refuse will be different over the Christmas period. The collections which would normally take place on Tuesday December 26th and January 2nd will now take place the next day on Wednesday December 27th and January 3rd. Usual Tuesday collection will resume from January 9th. Please note that overfull bins will not be emptied or additional refuse taken. Additional Recycling bins are available from Parish Council or Kennet District Council.
Some residents may have noticed the temporary absence of the bench by the bourne on Church Footpath. Martyn Meeks kindly removed the bench to treat it with preservative to keep it in good condition. The Parish Council would like to thank Martyn for his work. The bench is well used and appreciated. Thank you.
Finally, may the Parish Council take this opportunity of wishing all residents of Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year!

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 The Parish Council has set the date for its annual assembly. This year it is to be held on Tuesday April 3rd from 7.30pm at The New Inn in Winterbourne Monkton. There will be talks from visiting speakers and an opportunity to address County and District Councillors as well as your Parish Councillors. Please make a note of the date in your diary.
There has recently been a change to the way local communities are policed. PC Michael Bayliss has been appointed ‘Beat Manager’ for the rural area South and West of Marlborough. He will be a Community Policeman only and will not be seconded to other duties as has been the case with previous Community Police Officers. Unfortunately his area is large, covering from Burbage, Grafton and Buttermere in the South to Broad Hinton in the North West. He has, however, already walked around these villages during December and attended the January Parish Council Meeting. He will continue to get to know residents over coming months and will attend the Parish Assembly. He will soon be joined in the Community by Police Community Support Officer Polly Ritchie.
On May 3rd this year there will be elections for the Parish Council. This is a very interesting time for local councils and if you are interested in finding out more about becoming a councillor please contact the clerk or one of your councillors.

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 There are two principal events in the Parish Council calendar over the next few weeks.
The first is the Parish Assembly which takes place on Tuesday April 3rd. This is the ideal opportunity to discuss local issues with your Parish Councillors. Also present will be Gretchen Rawlins, your Kennet District Councillor and Chris Humphries your Wiltshire County Councillor. As always, they will both be very pleased to answer your questions. We are also pleased to have with us PC Michael Bayliss, our local beat officer who you may have seen in the villages already, and Sandra Long from the Citizens Advice Bureau who will give a short presentation of the work of CAB. The meeting will be held at The New Inn in Winterbourne Monkton at 7.30pm. PC Bayliss will be available for meeting before the meeting from 7pm. All councillors and speakers will be available for questions and discussion after the meeting.
The second big event is the Local Government Elections which take place on Thursday May 3rd. This year the elections are for Parish Council and Kennet District Council. At this current time, with the possibility of a unitary council in Wiltshire, it is an even more exciting time to be a local councillor. The role of Parish Councillor is very broad with the opportunity to be involved in many matters of local interest. You are eligible to be a councillor if you have owned or rented land in the parish or immediate area or have worked in the area for at least a year. Our current councillors would be very pleased to talk to you about their activities on the council. There will be vacancies at the election and it would be great to see these filled at the election rather than co-opted later. Having a fully elected council could be very important in forthcoming months and years. There are vacancies in both Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton and both have separate ‘elections’. Please contact the clerk for a nomination form but HURRY. Closing date for nominations is April 4th.

Janice Pattison, clerk.
01672 539556 or bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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  On April 3rd the Council held their Annual Parish meeting. Speakers included Kerry Barratt from the Citizens Advice Bureau, PC Michael Bayliss and Mr Paul Bollen from Wiltshire Highways.
At the time of writing, the first part of the plans outlined by Mr Bollen at the meeting have already started. Wiltshire County Council have used a large digger in the Winterbourne Monkton Village Road by The Beeches. It has further excavated the ditch by The Beeches and removed some of the soil debris from the side of the road. The digger was too large to complete the work down to the bourne which should have been completed by the time this article is published. Wiltshire County Council have also agreed to clear the drainage problems by Berwick Bassett Bridge and on Church Lane in Winterbourne Monkton. The biggest job, however, is the clearance of the large soakaway in the field between The New Inn and Winterbourne Lodge. This will involve the closure of the Winterbourne Monkton Road for a short period. This should happen in June or July. Please watch for notices of the road closure. Disruption will be kept to a minimum and closure is anticipated to be restricted to 9am to 3pm.
Local Council elections will take place, nationally, on May 3rd. While many of the existing councillors have stood for re-election to the Parish Council it is, with regret, that 2 of the existing councillors will not be standing.
Firstly, John Macdonald is moving abroad with his wife Vicky. John has been a member of the council for many years. He has been the planning officer for much of that time and has represented the council on many decision making bodies such as Marlborough Community Area Forum, Police Community Consultative Group and World Heritage Site Steering Group. He has latterly been involved with the cause against the closure of Savernake Hospital and Minor Injuries Unit. He will be much missed. The council wish he and Vicky success and happiness in career and home in Italy.
Audrey Jago has also decided not to stand again. Audrey has been a councillor for the last 4 years and has been the councillor responsible for communications with the Environment Agency with particular reference to the Bourne. For a period upto around 7 years ago, Audrey was the Parish Clerk. Audrey has recently been involved in a car accident on the A4361 at Berwick Bassett and has injured her legs and ribs. We wish her a speedy recovery.
As familiar faces depart, new ones will join your Parish Council. There have been a total of 7 nominations which constitutes a full council. For Berwick Bassett the candidates are Andrew Eastland and Gerald Clarke. For Winterbourne Monkton the candidates are Bill Buxton, Tricia Cosford, Bob Gutherson, Barry Jago and Sandra Pope. The new council will be confirmed before the AGM on May 9th. District Councillor Gretchen Rawlins has stood, unopposed, for this ward of Kennet District Council. All 8 Parish and District councillors will be elected unopposed on May 3rd so there will be no election.
It is a time of change for your Parish Council but it is very positive to have sufficient interest to make a full council. The council will continue to represent this area to the best of its ability.

Janice Pattison, clerk.
01672 539556 or bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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  Following the local government elections in May your new Parish Council has had its first meeting. Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton has a full complement of 7 councillors. Your councillors are as the below.
 
On July 3rd Kennet District Council will be providing recycling skips for plastic bottles and cardboard. These will be in the car park of The New Inn between 10.30 a.m and 12 noon.

There is, as yet, no news of the road closure in Winterbourne Monkton for the restoration of the soakaway in the field next to Winterbourne Lodge.
 

Janice Pattison
Clerk
01672 539556
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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  At the recent meeting of the council, councillors had a sad duty to perform. Councillors needed to prepare a response to Wiltshire County Council’s consultation document regarding the future of Avebury School. Following the Local Education Authority’s decision to close the school, decisions need to be made regarding the catchment areas of neighbouring primary schools and subsequently secondary schools. This also has consequences for school transport. The councillors unanimously agreed to support the option which would include Winterbourne Monkton and Berwick Bassett in the catchment area for Kennet Valley Primary School. This bears no reflection on any of the local primary schools or parental decisions, however, it was felt that this was the best way to retain long term links with St Johns School in Marlborough. The proposed exception clause that must be included in the entrance criteria for St Johns School should Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton become part of Broad Hinton School catchment was felt to be less secure in the long term. Parents and other interested parties have also been consulted and their views will be considered alongside that of the Parish Council. The closure date for consultation will have passed on the reading of this article.
The closure of Avebury Primary School will have a significant effect on the families of our communities and is only one of a series of closures, threatened closures and service withdrawals which would effect every resident should they take place. Some of these are beyond the influence of the Parish Council but all are less likely to occur if the facility is well supported. Please continue to support our local services as well as you are able. For example Avebury Post Office, local delivery services, village post boxes, Mobile library and the Wigglybus (now renamed Connect2 Wiltshire). The latter is a relatively recent addition to local services and provides a possible pickup within the villages of Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton so residents no longer need to walk far for the bus or cross the A4361.
During August there are several opportunities for you to dispose of your unwanted items. On 1st August between 10 am and 12.30 in the Car Park of the New Inn, Winterbourne Monkton there will be recycling skips for cardboard and plastics. On Saturday 11th August there will be a garage sale at Meadow Cottage in Winterbourne Monkton in aid of Winterbourne Monkton Church . Bric A Brac, unwanted presents and home produce would be welcome here (as would people to buy them). This will be followed on Friday 17th August, for the weekend, a utility skip also in The New Inn Car Park. The contents of this skip will head for landfill so please recycle or take for sale anything that is possible to do so. There will be further utility skips in both Winterbourne Monkton and Berwick Bassett in October. If help is required taking items to the recycling skips or the garage sell please contact the clerk (01672 539556)

As I send this for publication we have just spent the day contending with yet more floodwater. In case there is a need for assistance in the future, sandbags are available in both villages – at rear of 191, Winterbourne Monkton (in KDC black box) and at Berwick Lodge in Berwick Bassett. These are stored empty and can be filled with sand, grit, earth etc. Some other equipment is available. Please contact your councillors for assistance.

Janice Pattison
Clerk to Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton Parish Council
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk
Tel 01672 539556

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 As I write this, many children in our villages are starting their new schools. Some of the children are starting secondary school or starting college but many primary school children are also changing schools following the closure of Avebury Primary School to students at the end of July. Wiltshire County Council have held a consultation with local stakeholders and parents across the summer in order to determine the catchment schools for these villages. The Avebury Parish Council Area was to be included in the Kennet Valley Primary School catchment area. It has now also been decided that the Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton Parishes will be included in the catchment for Broad Hinton Primary School. The consultation response advises that the villages of Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton will remain in the catchment of St Johns School and Community College in Marlborough for secondary education. A summary of the consultation response is available on Wiltshire County Council’s web site www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council/avebury-primary-school-consultation.htm . Further information can be obtained from County Hall on 01225 713969 quoting ref SM/NH/Ave. The situation regarding school transport for primary school children remains unclear at the time of writing. Wiltshire County Council may be in the process of changing their policy regarding transport for children previously not attending Avebury Primary School but now attending the local catchment school. For further information please contact Wiltshire County Council Passenger Transport Unit on 01225 713365.
There will be an amenity skip provided in both villages during October. There will be a skip on The Green in Berwick Bassett between October 5th and 7th and in the car park of The New Inn in Winterbourne Monkton between October 19th and 21st. The contents of these skips will be going to landfill. It is requested that any items which can be recycled, including garden waste, are not put into these skips.
Thank You.
Janice Pattison, clerk.
01672 539556 or wmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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 The main business of the most recent parish council meeting was to set the budget for 2007/2008. The amount of money raised by the parish Council from its residents through its precept has remained constant for the last 4 years at one of the lowest in the county. It was decided that, in order to allow for expected increases in expenditure next year, a modest increase of nine percent would be made. This results in an increase of around 40p per household. This council will remain amongst the lowest precepted in the area with lower increases than those planned in some other areas.

Residents may have noticed the verge and hedge trimming carried out by the Wiltshire County Council Parish Steward. He will not always have that equipment available but he can undertake a variety of maintenance tasks such as clearing run-offs to ditches. His next visit is scheduled for December 17th. If there are any areas that residents feel would benefit from his attention please inform the clerk. Potholes can be reported to Clarence (Customer Lighting And Roads ENquiry CEntre) on 0800 23 23 23 or by e-mail to clarence@wiltshire.gov.uk

The Parish Council has been informed by Kennet District Council that the days for refuse and recycling collections will change over the Christmas Period. Collection will be on Wednesday December 26th and Wednesday January 2nd rather than on Tuesdays. Collection will return to Tuesday on the following week. Further details can be found on Kennet District Council’s website or by ringing 01380 724911.
Janice Pattison, clerk.
01672 539556 or wmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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 The Annual Parish Meeting (Assembly) will be held on Wednesday, April 16th, in Winterbourne Monkton Parish Church starting at 7pm. This is an opportunity to talk to your Parish Councillors and hear from District and County Councillors and local police. This year the guest speaker will be Tim Coomer from Community First. His specialist area is community facilities such as shops, post offices and pubs and how to keep them within communities. He is very knowledgeable about issues such as planning and financing and will be available for informal discussion, along with councillors, after the meeting.
The Parish Council will be holding a short, additional, council meeting in Berwick Bassett on April 1st at 7pm. There will only be one agenda item which is the planning application for the new grain store and driers at Manor Farm. If you would like to attend and/or would like further information about the application please contact me on the number/e-mail below.
It has been brought to our attention that there have been a number of bonfires in the area. It is not against any law or bye-law to have a bonfire, however, there are legal restrictions on what can be burnt. Any plastic or rubber materials such as plastic bottles, tyres or roofing felt must not be burnt . Bonfires should only be lit when there is little wind and at a time of day when it will cause least nuisance to neighbours. Additional recycling boxes can be obtained from the Parish or District Councils. (01380 724911 for Kennet District Council)
Janice Pattison, clerk.
01672 539556 bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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 The Annual Parish Meeting in April was very well attended. Tim Coomer from Community First gave an interesting presentation and answered lots of questions about community facilities such as shops, post offices and pubs. There are copies of his presentation available by contacting the clerk.
At the meeting, Peter Hanson of Wiltshire County Council announced that the Soakaway in the field beside Winterbourne Lodge in Winterbourne Monkton will be redug during the summer and that the bridge to Berwick Bassett will be repaired during this financial year. No further details are available at this time.
Thanks were offered to District Councillor Gretchen Rawlins who will cease to be a district councillor with the abolition of Kennet District Council in April 2009.
The Parish Council are keen to coordinate repairs and maintenance to the footpaths in the area. Please feedback any difficulties found with access, marking or stiles, bridges etc to the footpaths officer below. Cllr Buxton is organizing the first of what is hoped to be a series of Village Walks. This takes place on Sunday 8th June meeting at 11.15 at The New Inn, walking to Winterbourne Bassett. Problems with the roads, verge cutting etc should be reported to CLARENCE on 0800 23 23 23 or Cllr Clarke.
Kennet District Council are conducting a spatial consultation giving options for future housing development in the larger towns in the Kennet District Council Area Information is on noticeboards. Copies of the strategic document are available by contacting the clerk or Kennet District Council. (01380 734872) Individuals may submit their own response. Deadline for responses to the consultation is June 16th.
The Parish Council has offered its support to the Savernake MIU appeal. Individuals are encouraged to offer individual support in whatever way is appropriate. For further information please check noticeboards or contact The Friends of Savernake Hospital or Val Compton direct valcompton@tiscali.co.uk
BT have announced their intention to remove the telephone box in Winterbourne Monkton as it is no longer used.

The latest meeting of the Parish Council incorporated the AGM at which roles for individual councillors are identified. These are as follows

Barry Jago	chair and footpaths	01672 539287
Andrew Eastland	Vice chair and emergency	01793 731761
Tricia Cosford	Treasurer	01672 539579
Sandra Pope	Rivers and flooding	01672 539240
Bill Buxton	Planning	01672 539199
Gerald Clarke	Roads and Public Transport	01672 539470
Bob Gutherson	Steward and Police liason	01672 539336

Janice Pattison, clerk
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk
01672 539556 bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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You may be aware that villages in Wiltshire have the services of a Parish Steward. The Steward’s responsibilities include clearing ditches, manholes and gullies, hedge and grass strimming by A4361 junctions and small pothole repairs. Tree trunks and large branch debris deposited in Winterbourne Monkton from flooding of the Bourne were sawn up and removed by our local Parish Steward, Will Lee, on his April/May visit. Concerns on this type of issue, in either village, should be passed to Cllr Bob Gutherson (539336) for the Steward to address on his bi-monthly visit (next one scheduled for 21st July).
Wiltshire County Council Highways Engineers have visited Winterbourne Monkton to investigate the inadequate dispersal of rain water on the road running past The Beeches and Little Thatch. This appears to be caused by flood debris blocking buried pipes linking the ditches. “Vactor” pressure rodding of the pipes will be undertaken late June/early July with any further remedial action planned in with the re-dig of the soakaway in the field adjacent to Winterbourne Lodge. This remains scheduled for late July/early August for about 3 days during which there will be no vehicular access through the village (anticipated working day hours only). Temporary traffic lights will be installed at the dangerous north access to the A4361. There is no further information as yet regarding the repairs to the bridge in Berwick Bassett. Information will be posted on noticeboards when it is available.
Councillor Bill Buxton led 11 walkers + 3 dogs on a most enjoyable village walk on 8th June to the White Horse at Winterbourne Bassett. The next walk is planned for Sunday 6th July, 1230 from Lower Bridge to the Waggon & Horses for Lunch. More information from Bill on 539199.All are most welcome. The Parish Council is producing a comprehensive list of required repairs or improvements required to the local footpaths. If you have any concern or comment you would like to make please contact Cllr Barry Jago on 539287
The Parish Council usually holds its council meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of odd months of the year. Members of the public are welcome to attend and details of the agenda are published on the noticeboards. In July, however, the meeting has been rescheduled for July 15th (3rd Tuesday) and will be held at The New Inn.
Janice Pattison, clerk.
01672 539556
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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There is now a scheduled start date for the re-digging of the soakaway ditch in the field adjacent to Winterbourne Lodge and opposite Monkton Lea in Winterbourne Monkton. The scheduled for the start of this work is August 18th. The work involves some heavy machinery and, therefore, the closure of the road through Winterbourne Monkton at this point. Traffic will still be able to reach Winterbourne Lodge and Monkton Lea but from opposite ends of the village. As this will mean an increase in traffic using the North cross-roads on the A4361 by The Beeches, Wiltshire Highways have decided to install traffic lights at this cross-roads for the duration of the work. The work will take up to 2 weeks but it is expected that the road need only be closed while the machinery is operational which will be daytime working hours only.
The repairs to Berwick Bassett bridge have been re-evaluated. The work required is mainly repairs to the underside of the bridge which can be done without closing the bridge. There is no date for commencement of this work as yet but September/October is anticipated so that there is a minimum of water in the bourne.
A skip for use by the residents of each village has been been booked. These will be available in The New Inn car park on the weekend of the 5th September and on The Green in Berwick Bassett on the weekend of the 26th September. All the goods in these skips will go to landfill so please do not use them for materials which could be recycled, in particular no green material such as tree or hedge trimmings. The Parish Council has recently received an additional supply of black recycling boxes. If you would like an additional box for further sorting of doorstep recycling material please contact the clerk as below.
It has been confirmed that the telephone box in Winterbourne Monkton is to be removed. British Telecom consider mobile reception in the village to be adequate for mobile phone use in an emergency.
It is planned to submit a list of work required to repair local public footpaths and access to them at the end of the summer. Please contact Cllr Barry Jago on 01672 539287 or via e-mail below if you have a repair or improvement you think should be included.
The September meeting of the Parish Council has been rescheduled from the 2nd Tuesday in September to the 3rd. The next meeting of the Parish Council will, therefore, be held in The New Inn at 8pm on September 16th
Janice Pattison, clerk 01672 539556, bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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There have been changes to some of our local bus services recently. New timetables for the main road services are displayed on the bus shelters. Timetables for the Connect2 service are displayed on the village noticeboards. The Connect2 service is a bookable service (previously called Wigglybus). It will come into both villages to collect, turning at the post box in Berwick Bassett and driving through the main village road in Winterbourne Monkton, past The Beeches and The New Inn.. It is a flexible, almost to the door, service and is worth a try. The Connect2 service is currently under revue and the Parish Council has been invited to comment. We would appreciate comments, good and bad, particularly from those who use the service regularly. If you have a particular reason for not using it we would like to know that too. We are particularly interested in knowing the frequently used services, for example the 5.15 from Marlborough, and additional useful services for example a better evening service. Please try the Connect2 service if you haven’t already done so. Over 60s can use their pass and under 60s can buy books of tickets which makes it much cheaper than petrol and parking. If the service isn’t used regularly we may lose it.
The latest casualty of the loss of services is the Mobile Library. Apparently there was only one regular customer in Winterbourne Monkton so the service was not viable and has been withdrawn. If you have a particular reason for seeing the service re-instated please let us know
Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have recently reminded us that they will fit totally free 10 year smoke alarms to vulnerable groups which includes all residents in rural areas. They also provide free cooking timers to those they consider vulnerable people and will carry out free home safety checks. For further information please contact the Community Safety Adviser, Melanie Jezzard on 01380731188
Or
Melanie.jezzard@wiltsfire.gov.uk.

The next meeting of the council is 18th November which will be the councils budget setting meeting. Members of the public are always welcome. The meeting will be at 8pm in The New Inn
Janice Pattison, clerk
01672 539556,
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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The recent meeting of the Parish Council was the meeting at which the councillors settled the budget for the financial year starting in April 2009 and, therefore, the portion of your council tax known as the parish precept. The financial future is uncertain. The new unitary authority of Wiltshire Council comes into effect in April 2009 and it is likely that the financial support Parish Councils have been able to apply for from Kennet District Council will no longer be available from the new unitary council. The Parish Council is also aware, however, that there may also be changes to the council tax paid by households and did not wish to add to any possible increase. It was, therefore, decided to retain the amount that individuals contribute to the Parish Council at the same amount as last year. With careful budgeting local services should remain as this year. The precept is one of the lowest rates in the Kennet area. One of the reasons that this is possible is because many people in the villages help each other and the community voluntarily. Those who do so in whatever way are much appreciated
The Environment Agency will be holding a meeting in the area early in the New Year. The meeting will be informal in nature and designed to provide general information on the rights and responsibilities of those who live or own land beside the bourne although anyone is welcome. Further details of time, date and location on Noticeboards and January edition of Upper Kennet News
In preparation for winter, the grit bins in both villages are full. The grit is there to be used as required by residents and the travelling public but at the spreaders own risk. The main road will be salted but it is unlikely that any treatment will be given to the village roads. For winter weather and road information contact Clarence on 0800 23 23 23. The usual winter preparations have been made in the parish. Sandbags are available in both villages and the parish emergency plan updated. Hopefully none will be needed but should either be required please contact your nearest councillor.
Over the Christmas period, bins and recycling boxes will be collected on the day following the usual day so on Wednesday (including Boxing Day) rather than Tuesday. Don’t forget to get them out early!
Janice Pattison Clerk to Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton Parish Council
(bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk or 01672 539556)

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The Environment Agency will be holding a meeting in the area early in the New Year. This is aimed principally at those residents of both villages who live or own land beside the bourne although anyone is welcome. The meeting will be informal in nature and designed to provide general information on the rights and responsibilities of those ‘riparian’ landowners, including suggested methods of clearing the bed and banks of the bourne. It is planned that this will take place on Tuesday January 6th 2009 at 7pm in The New Inn. This date and time, however, is subject to change if The Environment Agency have other commitments. Please check notice boards to confirm the date nearer the time.
A reminder that this year our bin collections will remain on the same days, due to the collectors working weekends to make up for the bank holiday. There will, therefore, be a recycle collection on Tuesday December 23rd and on Tuesday January 6th. There will be a refuse collection on Tuesday December 30th.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Tuesday January 6th 2009 at 8pm in The New Inn. All are welcome to attend.
May the members of The Parish Council wish the residents of Berwick Bassett and Winterbourne Monkton a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Safe 2009.
Janice Pattison, clerk 01672 539556,
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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Unfortunately, the planned meeting with the Environment Agency, announced in previous editions of this publication, didn’t take place. The Environment Agency failed to confirm the date they had given. It is hoped that the meeting will take place either preceding the next Parish Council meeting on March 3rd or in conjunction with the Annual Parish Meeting (Assembly) later in March. We await confirmation from the Environment Agency.
This Parish Council usually holds its Annual Parish Meeting, to which all residents are invited, in April. This year, however, it is hoped to hold the meeting before the end of March in order to mark the end of an era.
At the beginning of April the District Councils will disappear and there will be a single council known as Wiltshire Council. Elections for Members of the new Wiltshire Council will not take place until June. Gretchen Rawlins, who has served this area for many years, will no longer be District Councillor from the end of March. The current County Councillors will stay in post until the elections in June but then it is unlikely that Chris Humphries will represent this area. It is hoped that by holding our meeting in March, before the demise of Kennet District Council, both councillors will be able to attend. A date will be announced nearer the time.
During this transition process, a body known as Marlborough Community Area Board is being established. There will be a number of these boards across Wiltshire which are intended will provide an opportunity to engage the community in local development and the shaping of the provision of services, providing input into the policy making process of Wiltshire Council. The board is now running as a ‘Pilot’ and holds regular meetings which members of this council attend in order to represent this community. The next few months will see a lot of changes in local government which we will all watch with active interest.
Janice Pattison, clerk01672 539556, bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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Continuing from last months announcement of change of timing of the Parish Assembly we have now set the date for Tuesday March 24th at the New Inn in Winterbourne Monkton. The meeting will start at 7.30pm although this will be confirmed in the usual report which will arrive through your door. If anybody living in the parish cannot attend due to transportation difficulties please contact the clerk below who will make arrangements for transport.

This will be the last meeting at which we will have a Kennet District Councillor. Gretchen Rawlins will be at the meeting to give a concluding report. Also attending the meeting will be representatives of Wiltshire County Council and the Parish Council’s representative on Marlborough Area Board who will be able to answer questions on the new One Council for Wiltshire. There will also be the opportunity to discuss areas of local concern such as the traffic on the A4361.

The Parish Council is sorry to report that the Environment Agency have again failed to confirm attendance at either the Assembly on March 24th or the regular Parish Council meeting on March 3rd. You may have noticed, however, that 3 sets of Environment Agency employees have been in the area in the latter part of February. They have been mechanically clearing the bourne bottom and sides south of Low Bridge in Winterbourne Monkton and clearing debris and overgrowth from the bourne bottom and sides, manually, north of Low Bridge to Berwick Bassett Bridge.

Due to the recent snowy weather there is much remedial cleaning up and repair. As a result of this the Parish Steward will not be making his scheduled February visit to these villages so his next visit is scheduled for April. If you have any concerns about overhanging branches, potholes etc please let me know on the contacts below or direct to CLARENCE (an acronym for Customer Lighting And Roads ENquiry CEntre) or 0800 232323

Janice Pattison, clerk 01672 539556,
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

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If anyone would like to be more involved in aspects of the work of the council please contact any of the councillors or the clerk or come to a council meeting, the next of which is to be held on June 23rd in The New Inn at 8pm

At the Annual Parish Meeting the issue of speed on the A4361 was again discussed. PC Michael Bayliss agreed to install the speed measurement strips along A4361. These are now in place. The missing village sign at the North End of Winterbourne Monkton will be replaced later this year. The Parish Council has requested an assessment for speed reduction under the national rural roads legislation. The result is not anticipated in the near future. Unfortunately, unless a speed reduction is granted the measures recommended to increase visibility and raise drivers awareness, such as village gates, will not be permitted by the Highways Agency.
There were a series of accidents on the A4361 in the first months of the year. There are regularly less serious incidents and close ‘near misses’. There is no record kept of accidents which do not incur serious injury. The Parish Council would like to maintain its own record and would appreciate input from residents. If you are involved in an accident or close ‘near miss’ or are aware of an incident please let us know via the parish council e-mail address
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk
 

  At the recent Parish Council Annual General Meeting the councillors agreed to undertake the following areas of responsibilities

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You will have noticed the speed strips that were placed by the main junction in Winterbourne Monkton and the bend at Berwick Bassett following the Annual Meeting of the council. We have been advised by PC Michael Bayliss that the results of the traffic survey show that the numbers of vehicles exceeding the speed limit that would trigger a prosecution is 1.3% for Winterbourne Monkton and 1.8% for Berwick Bassett.  This is below the figure needed to qualify for the speed camera van. The Parish Council continue to request a speed reduction through the villages. The Parish Council would like to hear from you if you are involved in an accident or close ‘near miss’ or are aware of an incident. Please let us know via the parish council e-mail address.
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

A vacancy has recently arisen on the Parish Council. If you are interested in the workings of the council please contact any councillor or the clerk as above with no obligation on your part.
The Parish Steward will be making a visit to these villages at the end of July. If you know of any area that requires his attention please let us know. He is not permitted to work on private land but he can strim overgrown verges for example.
We are now enjoying the long summer evenings and look forward to outside eating and relaxing. Please remember, however, that not everyone in the area has the same taste in music or smoke as you may do.

Looking forward to a long, warm summer.
 

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 Due to the recent resignation from the Parish Council of Cllr Gerald Clarke, a vacancy has arisen on the council. The Parish Council consists of seven councillors of which 5 specifically represent Winterbourne Monkton and 2 represent Berwick Bassett although all work closely together for both villages. The current vacancy is specifically for a councillor to represent Berwick Bassett. One of the criteria for eligibility of a person to be a councillor is that they must, for a period of at least twelve months, lived in, owned land or premises in or had their main place of work within 3 miles of the village. This effectively means that anyone living in either village can stand for the other. There has not been a call for an election for the vacancy so council plan to appoint someone at the next Parish Council meeting on September 8th. If you would like to be considered to be a councillor or would like more information please contact any councillor or the clerk as below
These villages are privileged to have many persons living in them who ‘work’ for the area in a voluntary capacity. This, of course, includes councillors and clerk but also as governors, voluntary drivers, grass cutters, shop keepers and many others. This not only helps to keep our Parish Precept (council tax) one of the lowest in Wiltshire but makes our villages better places in which to live. The Parish Council is currently re-editing their Emergency Plan. This is intended for use for local crises such as elongated power cuts or for when the main emergency services cannot attend for some reason. It is, essentially, a confidential list of those who have skills or equipment which could be used in an emergency such as medical or first aid experience or those who own generators, 4 wheel drive vehicles etc. If you have moved into the area or simply have more time on your hands and would like to know more about volunteering in our parish and beyond please contact any councillor or the clerk.
Janice Pattison (clerk) 539556 or bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk
 

Following a suggestion made by a resident the Parish Council is assessing the viability of replacing worn stiles on local footpaths with Kissing Gates. The intention is not purely to increase romance in the area but to improve access for those not so able to climb stiles.
The proposal is that individuals, or groups of people clubbing together, fund the cost of a gate. With the permission of the relevant landowner, it is hoped that a group of local volunteers would carry out the installation. We estimate the cost of each gate to be around £250. There is already some interest in initiating the project. If you would be interested in sponsoring a gate or joining the installation team please let us know.

There is still a vacancy for a Parish Councillor for Berwick Bassett. It would be preferable for both Berwick Bassett positions on the combined council to be held by residents of Berwick Bassett but not essential. If any resident of Berwick Bassett, or within a 3 mile radius, would like more information on the work of a Parish Councillor please contact a councillor or myself.

Janice Pattison Clerk
01672 539556 /
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk
 

 This is always the time of year to talk about RUBBISH. This is the time for clearing out our gardens and often other places too.
The Parish Council has organised a skip which will be placed in Berwick Bassett for the weekend of November 6th. It will arrive on Friday afternoon and be collected on Monday. It can be used by residents of both villages. The contents of the skip will be taken to landfill so please only put items in the skip that cannot be recycled, for example no garden waste. Wiltshire Council would provide recycling skips for plastic and cardboard, however these are only available for a few hours at a fixed time on Weekday daytime. We have had these in the Parish before and they were barely used so unless there is increased demand we will not repeat the process. The Parish Council has a supply of recycling boxes for use for doorstep collection of glass, cans, paper and rags. Please ask if you require another box. Recycling wheelie bins for green waste are available from Wiltshire Council for an annual charge. There are also bins for glass at The New Inn should you have managed to empty more than usual! There will also soon be a bin for clothing, proceeds of which will go to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Some residents will probably wish to use bonfires to clear woody hedge-trimmings for example. Please consider your neighbours and their property and do not burn plastics, polythenes, rubber or ordinary household waste as these can produce noxious fumes.
As an update to last months article, the Parish Council has received several pledges of money to purchase kissing gates for footpaths. There is more than sufficient to start the project but we have had no volunteers to form a working party for installation. Please contact the Parish Council if you would be willing to dig holes and/or set posts or would like more information about the project.
There is still a vacancy for a councillor for Berwick Bassett. Please contact any member of the current Parish Council if you are interested. The next meeting of the Parish Council is on Tuesday November 10th at The New Inn

Janice Pattison Clerk
01672 539556 /
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk
 

 Our most recent meeting in November was the budget setting meeting at which the Parish Precept is set. This is the portion of your Council Tax which is specific to where you live. You will be pleased to hear that, through a policy of prudent spending, this year the Parish Council has managed to avoid any increase in the annual precept set for the year 2010-2011.  This remains one of the lowest in Wiltshire. Included within the next year's budget will be an amount to cover skips and general groundwork around the villages, plus the usual annual running costs.  Overall, the Parish Council finances remain healthy and with adequate reserves.
The Parish Council has decided to take the Kissing Gate project to the next stage and proceed to installations. If you are interested in sponsoring a gate or helping in its installation please let us know.
On the same evening as the Parish Council Meeting some councillors met with Jemima Milton who is our County Councillor for Wiltshire Council. Representation by Parish Councillors for a reduction in speed on the A4361 were favourably received. Other subjects discussed were the possibility of a 2nd bus shelter at Berwick Bassett, retention of the Parish within St Johns School catchment and possible funding opportunities. The Parish Council also continue to have representatives at the Marlborough Area Board and other bodies ensuring that this area is represented at local decision making bodies. The public is also welcome at these meetings, as well as Parish Council meetings. If you are interested in attending please get in touch and I can give you further details.
The Parish Council was saddened to hear of the death of Mrs Joyce Adams. Mrs Adams was a Parish Councillor representing Berwick Bassett for many years and continued to make regular contribution to meetings in recent times even after ceasing to be a councillor. She will be much missed by the whole community.
We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas time and encourage you to resolve in the New Year to find out more about becoming a Parish Councillor. Next meeting is January 12th 2010 and you will be very welcome.

Janice Pattison, clerk
01672 539556.
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk

 

 Our most recent meeting in November was the budget setting meeting at which the Parish Precept is set. This is the portion of your Council Tax which is specific to where you live. You will be pleased to hear that, through a policy of prudent spending, this year the Parish Council has managed to avoid any increase in the annual precept set for the year 2010-2011.  This remains one of the lowest in Wiltshire. Included within the next year's budget will be an amount to cover skips and general groundwork around the villages, plus the usual annual running costs.  Overall, the Parish Council finances remain healthy and with adequate reserves.
The Parish Council has decided to take the Kissing Gate project to the next stage and proceed to installations. If you are interested in sponsoring a gate or helping in its installation please let us know.
On the same evening as the Parish Council Meeting some councillors met with Jemima Milton who is our County Councillor for Wiltshire Council. Representation by Parish Councillors for a reduction in speed on the A4361 were favourably received. Other subjects discussed were the possibility of a 2nd bus shelter at Berwick Bassett, retention of the Parish within St Johns School catchment and possible funding opportunities. The Parish Council also continue to have representatives at the Marlborough Area Board and other bodies ensuring that this area is represented at local decision making bodies. The public is also welcome at these meetings, as well as Parish Council meetings. If you are interested in attending please get in touch and I can give you further details.
The Parish Council was saddened to hear of the death of Mrs Joyce Adams. Mrs Adams was a Parish Councillor representing Berwick Bassett for many years and continued to make regular contribution to meetings in recent times even after ceasing to be a councillor. She will be much missed by the whole community.
We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas time and encourage you to resolve in the New Year to find out more about becoming a Parish Councillor. Next meeting is January 12th 2010 and you will be very welcome.

Janice Pattison, clerk
01672 539556.
bbwmpc@wmwillow.clara.co.uk