𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗬 - 𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗢𝗧𝗘 ☑

Referendum on the Calne Community Neighbourhood Plan 2

for the Calne Town and Calne Without Parish has been announced by Wiltshire Council.

A referendum will be held on the following question:

Do you want Wiltshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Calne and Calne Without to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?

The poll will take place on Thursday 27 February 2025. Details on how to register to vote is shown on the notice.

Likely to be unable to vote in person? You can request a postal vote.

1. The poll will take place on Thursday 27 February 2025. 2. Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Tuesday 11 February 2025. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. 3. Applications for postal and postal proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN by 5pm on Wednesday 12 February 2025. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. 4. Amendments or cancellations to existing postal, postal proxy and proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 12 February 2025. 5. Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector's Document valid for this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 19 February 2025. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate. 6. Applications to vote by proxy must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 19 February 2025. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote. 7. A person can apply to vote by 'emergency' proxy if they learn they cannot go to the polling station because of their occupation, service or employment, or a medical condition, illness or disability arises, after 5pm on Wednesday 19 February 2025. Applications must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Thursday 27 February 2025. 8. Full details of upcoming polls including timetables, forms to register to vote and results can be found by scanning the code.

For more information, please visit: 
https://www.calnecommunityplan.com/

Two Recent MyWilts Reports

I greatly appreciate the efforts of Wiltshire Council officers in moving forward with the two significant matters I submitted on MyWilts.

These include the pruning of the hedge at Newbury Avenue green space. This was pruned a few years ago to help reduce antisocial behaviour in the area. After growing significantly, it has now been pruned again, making the area more welcoming.

Also, resolving a rocking manhole cover that was frustrating residents due to the loud noise generated when vehicles drove over it. While this job took longer than expected due to a backlog, it is good that it has been completed.

If you have an issue that you think Wiltshire Council can help with, head to MyWilts and raise an issue:

https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywilts-online-reporting 

Councillor Training and Positive Democracy Charter

At the tail end of 2024, I spent some time taking the FILCA course and signing the Positive Conduct equals Positive Democracy charter.

The Financial Introduction to Local Council Administration (FILCA) course is an online, self-paced program designed to support new Responsible Financial Officers (RFOs) and other local council officers. It covers essential financial knowledge over five modules, including council finance basics, budgeting, and financial regulations.

On 27 November 2024, I signed the Positive Conduct equals Positive Democracy Charter which encourages local councillors and clerks to pledge high standards in public life. It aims to promote positive conduct, support good practice, and facilitate honest conversations for effective local democracy. More information can be found here: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/positive-conduct-democracy

I also took part in webinars on such topics as emergency planning, the climate emergency, and chairmanship training to keep up to date with topics that impact the council and can be used to inform actions going forward.

As always, please get in touch if there is anything you feel I can assist you with.

I wish you all a happy and healthy 2025.