Category: Local Government

Information and pictures about local government for Warminster, Wiltshire.

Tributes To David Lovell From His Former Council Colleagues

Monday 31st July 2023

Following the announcement by Kate Stacey that her father David Lovell, a former Warminster Town Councillor and West Wiltshire District Councillor, has passed away, tributes have been made by some of David’s former council colleagues:

Paul Batchelor writes: “I am so sorry to read this news. Your father was a dedicated community person and always active in promoting a better Warminster through his work as a councillor. An advocate for community and environmental issues only wanting what was best for all.”

John Syme writes: “I am so saddened by the news that David has passed away. He was a good man and an excellent Warminster Town and West Wiltshire District Councillor. He was a loyal friend and I will never forget him.”

Heather Parks writes: “I am so sorry to read this [that David has passed away] and send condolences you [Kate Stacey], Ann and all of your family. I worked with David through Warminster Town Council – a real gentleman.”

Jack Jones Has Been Co-opted To Warminster Town Council

Tuesday 28th March 2023

At their full council meeting on Monday 27 th March, Warminster Town Councillors voted to co-opt Mr Jack Jones to be town councillor to fill the vacancy for Warminster East Ward.

Three candidates put themselves forward for the vacancy complete an application form and all three gave a presentation to Councillors at the meeting.

The successful candidate, is 33 years old and has lived in Warminster for the vast majority of his life, attending Avenue Primary School and then on to Kingdown. Jack studied Business Management in Plymouth and is currently employed with Parsley Box. Jack covers all Business Development worldwide with projects mainly in the UK and Europe. He is hugely passionate about anything sport or environmental related.

Jack is an active volunteer for many local community groups in and around the Warminster area such as Warminster Action Group and can regularly be seen at the Warminster Atheneum where he has helped raise over £7000 for the Trust since August 2022 which goes on to support the maintenance and improve of the venue.

Councillor Jones said, “By becoming a town councillor I hope to be able to have a larger impact on the local community and help improve our beautiful town for everyone who lives or visits the area. The way the council have improved the lake pleasure grounds over the past few years has been an inspiration. Taking it from being a lovely but basic town park to a highly visited venue that is capable of hosting many different events and activities which I have had the pleasure of attending I believe in a community first approach and hope to represent the people of Warminster to the best of my ability.”

Mayor, Councillor Chris Robbins, thanked all the candidates for their time an presentations, adding that with town council elections due in May 2025 there was the opportunity for them and other local residents to put themselves forward in the future.

Warminster Town Council Annual Report Available

Monday 27th March 2023

Warminster Town Council’s Annual Report is now available for the public to read. The report can be downloaded from the town council’s website: https://warminster-tc.gov.uk/ or paper copies can be obtained at the Civic Centre. The Annual Report looks back over the last 12 months of activity by the town council. The Annual Report includes: a check list of the town councils’ responsibilities, reports from the various committees, information about the Civic Centre and events, a financial report, volunteering opportunities an contact details for town councillors.

The Mayor of Warminster, Councillor Chris Robbins has written an introduction to the report, this is set out below.

“Another busy year has come to an end, not only have the town council continued to provide good service to the town, but a number of major projects have been completed and initiated. Among these are the completion and opening of the Space Themed Splash Pad. This facility has proved to be extremely popular and along with our Skatepark, is the envy of many towns. We have recently been successful in organising a joint project with the Lawn Tennis Association to upgrade our tennis courts, indeed work has already started as from mid-March 2023. Hopefully all will be in place before Wimbledon and our Spring In the Park event.”

“I am pleased to report the Lake Pleasure Grounds have again been awarded Green Flag Status, indeed the park is a wonderful asset for the Warminster community. A decision was made to renew the CCTV. We now have new modern high definition cameras which have replaced the original equipment.”

“Another major project taking much time and resources is the renewal and upgrading of the Neighbourhood Plan. This is well under way now and the final document will help pave the way for the development of Warminster in many ways, whether planning issues, heritage, commerce, green spaces and more. It’s at the consultation stage now.”

“On September 8 th 2022, very sad news was received that HM Queen Elizabeth II had passed away. The Warminster community joined the rest of the country in mourning and many a church service was attended to offer our prayers and thanks for the monarch’s life of service to us all. As Mayor I was very proud to read the Kings’ Proclamation from the steps of the Council Offices, aided by the WCR broadcasting facilities so all could hear. Other events include Remembrance Day, Christmas Lights Switch On, the wonderful Carnival procession, Shop Window Competition, the Civic Awards and representing Warminster and our council many times.”

“The finances of the town council are in good shape which allowed the council to not increase our portion of the Council Tax, all councillors were pleased to support this approach. The council is committed to find the most sustainable methods of providing services and by reducing our carbon footprint as we go along, but this does take time and resources. We recognise there is still much work to be done but I must praise and thank my fellow councillors, the very welcome volunteers, our managers and staff for what we have achieved thus far.”

Have Your Say ~ Warminster Neighbourhood Plan

Monday 27th March 2023

Press release from Warminster Town Council:

Have Your Say – Warminster Neighbourhood Plan

The Warminster Neighbourhood Plan gives you, the community who know Warminster best, a strong voice and an opportunity to proactively shape a vision for Warminster. The neighbourhood plan also helps to guide the future development of the town to meet local needs and aspirations.

Neighbourhood plans contain policies and proposals that will be used when making decisions on planning applications.

Over the last year, local volunteers have been working on collecting information and evidence to update the current Warminster Neighbourhood Plan which dates back to 2016. To make sure the plan really reflects local views, we are asking for your comments on a range of topics.

Provide your thoughts and feedback – this stage of the public consultation will be open from Monday 27th March to Sunday 23rd April 2023.

Please take the opportunities detailed below to comment on the draft neighbourhood plan and the evidence gathered to date.

Online Surveys: these can be found at www.warminsterplan.com. They include an overview survey and options to complete more detailed questions relating to specific topics. You don’t need to comment on everything just the things that are important to you.

Face-to-Face Feedback: throughout the consultation period there will also be a number of opportunities to talk directly to neighbourhood plan volunteers and complete the surveys.

Look out for the pop-up stand at key town centre locations or drop-in to the Warminster Civic Centre where the surveys will also be available to complete Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm.

This additional information you provide will feed into the review of the Warminster Neighbourhood Plan and form part of the wider consultation process. The surveys cover:

• Community Facilities • Local Green Spaces

• Transport & Getting Around • Town Centre & Shopping

• Employment • Housing

• Environment & Design

There will be further opportunities during 2023 for you to provide additional feedback as the plan evolves, with a full first draft of the whole plan being shared with the community later in the year. This is a community led neighbourhood plan that will have a genuine impact so please make sure you have your say.

You can find out more about the neighbourhood plan review on the Warminster Neighbourhood Plan website, which includes contact details for the Warminster Town Council should you have any further comments or questions.

Andrew Murrison Generally Voted Against Laws To Promote Equality And Human Rights

Tuesday 28th February 2023

The TheyWorkForYou website has published the following details with regards the voting record of Andrew Murrison, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire:

Andrew Murrison generally voted against laws to promote equality and human rights

TheyWorkForYou has automatically calculated this MP’s stance based on all of their votes on the topic. You can browse the source data on PublicWhip.org.uk.

Votes about laws to promote equality and human rights:

On 7 Dec 2021:Andrew Murrison voted against explicitly requiring immigration and enforcement officers to avoid using their powers in a way that could endanger life at sea. Show vote

On 19 May 2021:Andrew Murrison voted against bringing Government policy in-line with human rights where the courts have found policy incompatible with human rights. Show vote

On 18 Jul 2019:Andrew Murrison was absent for a vote on Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill — Lords Amendments — Abortion — Marriage and Civil Partnerships — Transparency etc. Show vote

On 9 Jul 2019:Andrew Murrison was absent for a vote on Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill — New Clause 1 — Marriage of Same-Sex Couples. Show vote

On 13 Jun 2018:Andrew Murrison voted against largely retaining the EU “Charter of Fundamental Rights” as part of UK law following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. Show vote

On 26 May 2016:Andrew Murrison voted in favour of repealing the Human Rights Act 1998; against plans to save the steel industry including fast-tracking infrastructure projects requiring large amounts of steel; and against a principle of the Government not borrowing to fund day-to-day spending. Show vote

On 30 Jan 2014:Andrew Murrison was absent for a vote on Immigration Bill — New Clause 15 — Exemptions to Automatic Deportation of Criminals on Human Rights Grounds. Show vote

On 16 Apr 2013:Andrew Murrison voted to remove the duty on the Commission for Equality and Human Rights to work to support the development of a society where people’s ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice or discrimination and there is respect for human rights. Show vote

On 16 Apr 2013:Andrew Murrison voted against making it illegal to discriminate on the basis of caste. Show vote

On 4 Dec 2012:Andrew Murrison was absent for a vote on Human Rights Act 1998 Repeal Bill. Show vote

On 13 Jul 2011:Andrew Murrison voted to apply laws against work related discrimination to mariners. Show vote

On 2 Dec 2009:Andrew Murrison voted no on Equality Bill — New Clause 3 — Mandatory pay audits. Show vote

On 2 Dec 2009:Andrew Murrison was absent for a vote on Equality Bill — Third Reading. Show vote

On 11 May 2009:Andrew Murrison voted yes on Equality Bill — Decline Second Reading.

Warminster Town Council Have Welcomed Better Parking Regulations Enforcement

Tuesday 28th February 2023

Warminster Town Council have issued the following press release:

Welcome for better parking enforcement in Warminster.

Warminster Town Councillors have welcomed news that extra resources will be put into parking enforcement in Wiltshire.

Parking enforcement is the responsibility of Wiltshire Council. Unfortunately, during much of last year considerable demand was placed on Civil Enforcement Officers due to sickness and recruitment problems. This meant that although the area was regularly checked, it wasn’t as often as councillors wished.

The good news is Wiltshire Council have confirmed that:
They are in the process of training new staff and will have a full complement in due course.
The intention is that Warminster will be patrolled on a daily basis. Priority will be given to busy areas such as the town centre and car parks.
Even the quieter locations within the town will receive visits.

Chairman of the Town Development Committee, Councillor Rob Fryer said: “Most parking is done responsibly and in compliance with legal requirements. However, people should be aware vehicles breaking regulations by for example parking on double yellow lines can be moved on or issued with a penalty notice. Town councillors have agreed to liaise with Wiltshire Council to keep them informed about any hot spots for poor parking so they can take appropriate action.”

Warminster Town Council Voices Its Opposition To A Planning Application For 205 Houses Off Westbury Road, Warminster

Tuesday 21st February 2023

Warminster Town Councillors have again stressed their opposition to a planning application for 205 houses off Westbury Road, Warminster.

At a meeting on Monday 20th February 2023, at the Civic Centre, all the members of Warminster Town Council’s Planning Advisory Committee who were present voted to oppose the application.

Councillor Phil Keeble, Chair of the Planning Advisory Committee said: “Town Councillors have made their opposition clear, these are the wrong houses in the wrong place. This application has hardly changed since it was originally considered in 2021. All the original reasons to oppose this development still stand. It makes a mockery of the planning process if this sort of outrageous proposal is allowed to go ahead.”

Amongst the points made by Councillors were:

The proposed development is contrary to the national and local planning policy.

The development sits outside the Settlement Policy Boundary. Other land is available and allocated for housing so there is no need for this development.

Allowing it would create a dangerous precedent and make it harder to stop similar proposals.

It ignores the existing Neighbourhood Plan, which had been endorsed by the community of Warminster and is out of line with the new Neighbourhood Plan that is being developed.

The proposed development is not in keeping with the existing housing on Westbury Road, being a high density estate on the edge of low density housing.

There is great biodiversity in this area and protected species which would be adversely affected by the development.

The proposed development falls within flood zone 2 & 3, which should not normally be used for housing.

The proposed development will have a negative impact on the amenity of other residents by increasing the risk of flooding elsewhere in the town.

The development will cause traffic problems. There would be increased cross town traffic due to the need to access to services that sit on the opposite side of town, bringing gridlock to the already congested town centre.

The proposed development will adversely affect the view of and from the hills which are a key cultural and heritage feature of Warminster.

The type of housing proposed will not satisfy local housing needs. The “affordable housing’ proposed is beyond the reach of those in housing need.

A decision on the planning application will be made by Wiltshire Council. Warminster Town Council is only a consultee and its views are advisory.

Warminster Town Council Seeking A Co-Opted Member After No-Takers For East Ward By-Election

Tuesday 21st February 2023

Warminster Town Council have issued this press release:

Could you be the new town councillor for Warminster? Warminster Town Council is asking for applicants to come forward to be co-opted onto the town council. Warminster Town Council currently has a vacancy for a town councillor for Warminster East Ward. This follows the resignation of former Councillor Paul Macdonald. Despite the vacancy being advertised, nobody took the opportunity to collect 10 signatures to call a by-election so the vacancy will now be filled by co-option.

Co-option means the existing councillors will vote to decide which applicant is appointed. Once co-opted the successful candidate will have the same rights and responsibilities as the other town councillors. A town councillor can make a real difference to the community of Warminster. The role of town councillor is a civic office and comes with obligations, councillors must for example make a declaration of interests, follow a code of conduct and abide by Council procedures. They are not volunteers free to do as they choose.


It is suggested that prospective applicants check out the town council’s website https://warminster-tc.gov.uk/ and look at some of the agenda, minutes and recordings of council meetings as well as information about the role of the town council. This will give a good idea of what is involved.

To obtain an application pack which contains full details of the role and the co-option procedure please contact: The Town Clerk, telephone 01985 214847 or email townclerk@warminster-tc.gov.uk or write to Warminster Town Council, Warminster Civic Centre, Sambourne Road, BA12 8LB. The closing date for applications is Monday 13th March at 4pm.

Applicants will be invited to attend a meeting of the town council on Monday 27th March 2023 at 7pm, where they will be given the opportunity to address councillors for a few minutes about why they should be co-opted. The decision to co-opt will be via members vote, and the successful candidate will be co-opted onto the council immediately and may take part in the rest of the meeting.

Worried About Speeding Traffic? Become A Community Speed Watch Volunteer!

Friday 10th February 2023

Warminster Town Council have issued the following press release:

Warminster Town Council is asking for local residents to volunteer to help tackle speeding traffic in the town. They would like people to sign up for training as a Community Speed Watch Volunteer.

Volunteers work closely with Community Policing Teams supported by the Special Constabulary Roads Policing Unit. Community Speed Watch only takes place where there is an identified speeding issue in a 20mph, 30mph or 40mph speed limits.

All volunteers are trained by Traffic Management Policing Officers to monitor traffic speed and must comply with a code of practice. All information recorded is passed to the police.

Community Speed Watch volunteers monitor vehicles from designated sites which have been risk assessed and approved by the police. Volunteers use a police approved hand-held speed detection device to check the speed of vehicles and any vehicles recorded driving over 24mph in a 20mph limit, over 35 mph in a 30mph limit, and over 46mph in a 40mph limit, are recorded on a monitoring sheet. The details recorded are time, date, site, vehicle body type (car, van, tractor, motorcycle etc), colour, registration and speed.

These details are sent to the Community Speed Watch administration team for processing. A PNC (Police National Computer) check is run on the vehicle and the registered keeper of the vehicle is contacted and a letter sent to the registered address. In cases where education is blatantly ignored and evidence of repeat or excessive offences is collated, then enforcement and prosecution follow.

The aim of the scheme is not to catch as many speeding drivers as possible, but to raise awareness that excessive speeds are socially unacceptable. It aims to reduce speed in areas of concern and address issues from communities by raising awareness.

Warminster’s Community Speed Watch Champion, Councillor John Syme said: “Speed kills. We know the police can’t monitor all the hot spots all of the time but community speed watch can make a real difference. We need a committed group of 6 or more people to get the scheme up and running in Warminster. It is noticeable that lots of villages run successful community speed watch schemes but towns struggle to get volunteers. The irony is there are probably more vehicles and more speeding in the towns. I appeal to people who can spare a few hours on a regular basis to put themselves forward.”

If you are interested in taking part in Community Speed Watch please contact the Town Council.

Warminster Neighbourhood Plan Review – Update

Monday 30th January 2023

Press Release from Warminster Town Council

The Warminster Neighbourhood Plan gives you, the community who live here and who know Warminster best, a strong voice and an opportunity to proactively shape a vision for Warminster. The Neighbourhood Plan also helps to guide the future development of the town and meet local needs and aspirations.

As a community, we need to stay up-to-date and ensure the Warminster Neighbourhood Plan remains relevant. The revised Plan will need to look ahead, as far as 2036, and address important local issues.

During 2022, members of the Warminster community volunteered to support the Town Council, and other professionals, in beginning to update the Neighbourhood Plan. As we move into 2023, we still need the local community to be fully involved and help ensure the Neighbourhood Plan reflects your views. Therefore, over the coming months, we will be asking for your input and feedback as the draft Plan continues to take shape.

Find out more and how to get involved:

Sign up to the Neighbourhood Plan mailing list: admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk

Visit the Neighbourhood Plan website: www.warminsterplan.com

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @warminstertowncouncil

Provide feedback via surveys and future consultation events: further details to follow.

Contact Warminster Town Council for further information:
admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk 01985 214847