Category: Community (Warminster)

Topics about organisations and activities in Warminster.

Warminster Telephone Exchange

Monday 6th March 2023

Details from the Telephone Exchange website:

Exchange Address
Located at :-
British Telecom,
Telephone Exchange,
East Street,
WARMINSTER.
BA12 9BY

/// what3words geocode = Initiated Warms Revisit

51°12’13.7″N 2°10’35.8″W

Local Authority = Wiltshire Council

UK area dialling code (STD code) for the Warminster exchange is 01985.

International dialling code for the Warminster exchange is +44 1985 or 0044 1985.

The Warminster exchange is in the Warminster group of exchanges.

5 telephone exchanges form this regional grouping.

Fibre to the Cabinet, Fibre to the Premises & Fibre on Demand services are available to customers connected to the Warminster exchange. Most customers can now upgrade from ADSL to fibre internet. Suppliers include BT Superfast Fibre, Plusnet Fibre Broadband, TalkTalk Fast Broadband & ee Unlimited Fibre Broadband.

https://telephone-exchange.co.uk/Warminster-SSWAR.html

Warminster Town Councillor John Syme, Who Represents The Broadway Ward, Has Raised His Objections To The Malaby Biodigester Being Included In The Heritage Open Days 2023

Saturday 4th March 2023

Warminster Town Councillor John Syme has raised his objections about the Malaby Biodigester at Bore Hill, Warminster, being included as one of the visitor locations in the Heritage Open Days for Warminster in September 2023.

In an email, dated 4th March 2023, to Sarah Holloway, Heritage Open Days Manager sarah.holloway@heritageopendays.org.uk,
John Syme has written:

Dear Sarah,
I am a councillor who represents the Broadway Ward, Warminster Town Council in Wiltshire. The ward includes the Malaby Biodigester that is included on the proposed list of buildings open to the public on the Heritage Open Days in September 2023.

Let me stress that I am a great supporter of our heritage but there are times when proposed buildings are not suitable for inclusion. One such example is the Malaby Biodigester, Deverill Road, Warminster.

This biodigester is the subject of many complaints from members of the public especially those who reside in the vicinity of the building. The complaints are made to the Environment Agency and Wiltshire Council Public Protection Department who are investigating serious odour emissions from the biodigester. The Town Council have also debated this issue and have objected to an application by Malaby to increase their capacity and amend their licence accordingly. This facility is a public nuisance and to include it on your proposed list is unacceptable and insulting to the inhabitants of nearby homes.

I request as the local elected representative of the inhabitants around the biodigester that this building be removed from your list. It is not an HISTORIC building/facility, it is a public nuisance and would be an insult if allowed to remain on the list.

Do you have any interaction with the Warminster Town Council? If you do, who with?

I await your reply with interest.

Yours sincerely,
Councillor John Syme
Broadway Ward
Warminster Town Council.
Home: 07931 580367

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.”

Service Of Prayers For Ukraine At The Chapel Of St. Lawrence, Warminster

Friday 24th February 2023

This afternoon a service of prayers was held in the Chapel of St. Lawrence, Warminster, to pray for Ukraine on the first and hopefully the only anniversary of the first day of the Russian invasion. Amy, in national costume. and her Grandmother, both from Donetsk, gave readings from St. John’s gospel in Ukrainian and candles were lit for the country.

www.facebook.com/stlawrencewarminster

Warminster United Church ~ Goodbye To Old Friends ~ Denis Trevethick, Biddy Shephard, Barbara Giessler And Betty Fielding

Wednesday 22nd February 2023

From The Quarterly Newsletter (March to May 2023) of Warminster United Church, George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA:

Goodbye to old friends
We have had to say goodbye to four of the older members of our congregation in the past two months, as they have moved on to be with our Lord in Heaven.

Denis Trevethick and Biddy Shephard both died in early December [2022]. They had both been attending our church for several years until recent illness prevented them. They also both enjoyed the Friday Fellowship Lunches.

Denis and Sylvia were a devoted couple whose love shone from them. Our thoughts and prayer are with Sylvia now as she learns to live without Denis. We will all miss his gentle smile.

Biddy had lived in and around Warminster for most of her life and was known by many people. Her large family are still mostly in the area. In recent years Biddy was well known for dashing around the town on her mobility scooter, and for her pink hair!

Denis spent the last few weeks of his life in Salisbury Hospital and Biddy in Henford House where they were well cared for.

Barbara Giessler passed away in January [2023] and Betty Fielding on 6th February [2023], her 95th Birthday. Mary writes about them below:

“I was sad to learn of Barbara Giessler’s death. I visited both her and Hans for a number of years. We had several things in common, both having taught at local Primary schools and both of us being Cornish-born. She and Hans were bell-ringers at the Minster Church [Warminster] as well as attending the United Church. I also knew Betty Fielding well. She was a member of this church when we moved to Warminster many years ago and her daughters Carol and Tina attended the same school as our two daughters. Betty was a regular member of the Tuesday afternoon Fellowship and also the Wednesday Ladies Evening Fellowship”.

They will all be sadly missed, although unable to attend worship here more recently.

CCTV Camera Removed From The Roof Of Christ Church, Warminster

Tuesday 21st February 2023

Posted on the Spotted In Warminster Town Facebook page:

Someone has been on the roof of Christ Church and ripped off a CC TV Camera. We have to have one there for insurance purposes. (After the lead was stolen a few years ago.) The Camera has been replaced now. If anyone walks passed in the evening please could you keep an eye out. It may well have been in preparation to steal the lead again. Thank you.

Wiltshire Police Appoint Alleged “Banned’ Hunt Member As Rural Crime Officer

Tuesday 21st February 2023

Daniel Jae Webb writes:

The appointment of a rural crime officer at Wiltshire Police has sparked controversy online – after it was claimed that she is a member of a “banned’ hunt.

PC Cheryl Knight announced her new role in a Facebook post on the Wiltshire Rural Crime Team page, with an anti-hunt group quickly suggesting that she is a member of the Avon Vale Hunt.

The news comes just two weeks after numerous members of the same hunt were arrested when footage appeared to show them digging foxes out of a hole and throwing them to a pack of hounds.

The alleged offences are under investigation by Wiltshire Police and following a review of the video, Hound Sports Regulatory Authority (HSRA) permanently expelled Avon Vale Hunt.

Now there are fresh concerns, this time over the appointment of PC Knight – who appears to have ridden with both The Avon Vale Hunt and The Beaufort Hunt.

The College of Policing’s Code of Ethics reads: “Membership of groups or societies, or associations with groups or individuals, must not create an actual or apparent conflict of interest with police work and responsibilities.”

Wiltshire Hunt Sabateurs argue that in her role as a rural crime officer, she’ll be attending reports of fox hunting – and her alleged affiliation with hunts could amount to a conflict of interest.

The anti-hunt group published four photographs which appear to have been uploaded to PC Knight’s Facebook profile and are publically available to view.

Two photographs appear to show PC Knight riding a horse, with one of the posts tagged as “at The Beaufort Hunt’.

Another photograph shows a small pack of hounds in a field, whilst the other photograph is of The Avon Vale Hunt.

On social media, dozens of people have called for her to step down from her new role.

One person wrote: “What a joke. The incompetence is staggering. She actively takes part in crimes against nature. Should be sacked.”

Another said: “I don’t understand how you can go fox hunting and police the hunt. Not possible. You should move to a different department. No one will have faith in you otherwise.”

An angry local penned: “Can you explain why you are a member of the Beaufort and Avon hunt?? Surely a conflict of interest here with your police duties. Step down.”

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “It is not illegal for someone working for a Police Force to be affiliated with a hunt organisation.

“We wouldn’t comment on alleged affiliations or membership of individual officers to any hunt but images and captions used in the replies to this post are between 4 and 15+ years old and are not representative of the officer’s current role.

“We do expect all of our officers regardless of rank or role to carry out their duties impartially, without fear or favour. We will act impartially and will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any organisation, group or individual who break the law.”

The ability to comment on the Facebook post about PC Knight’s appointment has since been turned off.

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.

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