Archive

  • Police pilot scheme infuriates residents

    Ref. 27787-10RESIDENTS in Highworth say community policing is being harmed by a new telephone system. Under a pilot scheme, all calls to Highworth Police Station are routed through Wiltshire Constabulary's headquarters in Devizes. But residents have complained

  • We can't help until you break the law

    EXCLUSIVE: A TROUBLED teenager desperate to avoid a life of crime has been told the only way to get help for his escalating anger problem is to break the law. Even a police caution is enough for Youth Offending teams to step-in, but Terence Painter's

  • Trust sends its thanks, Ma'am

    KENNET and Avon Canal officials had a private audience with the Queen at Buckingham Palace last week to hand over a Declaration of Gratitude for her support during the canal's restoration. The canal was threatened with closure in 1956 and the Kennet and

  • Swindon eyeing up double lift

    SWINDON have two special reasons for wanting to end Cooper Avon Tyres' (Melksham) interest in the 2nd XV Cup tomorrow. The first is that centre Milo Hartley will be playing his final match for the club, who reached the final of this competition last season

  • Keep the noise down in future

    I AM writing to complain about the noise at the Trowbridge fireworks display (November 2). Not the noise of the fireworks, we fully expected that, but the awful racket blaring out of the Wiltshire Sound mobile unit during the display. The records were

  • Fury as top gymnastics coach is made redundant

    PARENTS of pupils at the Wiltshire School of Gymnastics, are furious after the top boys' coach was made redundant out of the blue on Monday. Levente Molnar-Schondorfer, boys' coach for two years, must now find a new job before his work visa runs out on

  • Where it all goes from us

    TONNES of waste from thousands of Wiltshire homes will be sent across the country for recycling as the scheme gets under way. After the boxes are picked up from the kerbside the state-of-the-art lorries will first drive to Compton Bassett, where the waste

  • Unveiling of the new high sheriff of Wiltshire

    CONGRATULATIONS to James Arkell, who has been unveiled as Wiltshire's new High Sheriff the Queen's representative in the county for law and order. Mr Arkell is already known to many as the managing director of Arkell's brewery in Swindon. We are sure

  • It's a great testimony to hospital

    IT'S touching to read the testimony of Pauline Moore's family. Sadly, Mrs Moore died last month from cancer of the oesophagus, having been diagnosed only in mid-September. But her son Paul wrote to the Evening Advertiser asking us to highlight the compassion

  • Year's delay saves man from prison

    A PIRATE CD salesman who made up to £400 an hour selling illegally made discs on the streets of Swindon has avoided a jail sentence. Shaun Clarke, 29, admitted more than 100 offences after he was caught selling fake music, film and game CDs from market

  • Charlotte fund will continue

    A FUNDRAISING drive is carrying on in memory of Trowbridge schoolgirl Charlotte Wakeham with several planned for the run up to Christmas. Charlotte's grandmother Wendy Bryant has booked Melksham Labour Club for an all-day darts tournament on December

  • Beck's wonder was a one-off

    CORSHAM Town defender Dan Beck travels to Wellington tomorrow with memories of the wonder goal he scored against them at The Southbank earlier in the season, but admits it is unlikely to happen again. Beck scored the winner in Corsham's 1-0 win at home

  • Zurich's makeover leaves Sally Army sitting pretty

    Ref. 27736-19RESIDENTS at Davis House in Swindon are sitting more comfortably after a team of volunteers gave part of their dining room a makeover. Around 60 Zurich staff, working in teams of 15, redecorated the seating area for the 120 men and women

  • BREAKING NEWS - Razzell found guilty of murder

    GLYN Razzell has been found guilty of the murder of his wife Linda, at the end of a 31-day trial at Bristol Crown Court. The jury returned a unanimous verdict on Razzell, 44, of Crewkerne, Somerset, who is starting a life sentence. Mother of four Linda

  • Surprise defeats open up title race

    DEFEATS for Division Two leaders Broughton Gifford Reserves and Warminster Town Reserves have opened the door for three Division Three sides of last term to battle out another promotion campaign. Unbeaten trio North Bradley Saints, Bradford United and

  • Following in family footsteps

    BREWERY boss James Arkell has been officially nominated as the next High Sheriff of Wiltshire at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. At a time-honoured ceremony on Wednesday, which dates back to before the Norman Conquest, Mr Arkell sat before bewigged

  • Charity stalwart retires

    THE founder of Wiltshire Crimestoppers officially retires from the police force today, but says he will continue to work tirelessly for the charity. Malcolm Keene, from Warm-inster, was asked to set up the service in March 1996 and since then it has had

  • Puppets return

    A POPULAR show starring four-foot high puppets is returning to Westbury tomorrow. John Garland's Puppet Show has sold out every year. The show begins at 6pm on Saturday night at The Laverton and costs £2.50. Tickets are available from the TIC or (01373

  • To chop or not to chop?

    THE headline on your Page 1 story last week, 'Axe looms over West Wilts Show', does not truly reflect the article below it and has probably given many people the false impression that this excellent event is about to be cancelled. West Wiltshire District

  • JobCentre cutbacks

    JOBCENTRE bosses have been accused of acting like infamous rail boss Dr Beeching in their scaling-down of the service in Melksham. Confusion surrounds the future of the Church Street centre, earmarked for closure in 2005 so JobCentre Plus centres can

  • MP to help fight charges blunder

    PENSIONER Maurice Stribling is gunning for London mayor Ken Livingstone after two more congestion charge tickets dropped through his door. West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison has taken up the case and will meet with the 73-year-old Trowbridge resident

  • My friend Tommy is still best for the job

    Chippenham midfielder Steve Brown has hit out at the board's decision to part company with Tommy Saunders as the search for a new Chippenham Town manager gathers pace. Saunders was sacked last week, after a successful five and a half year reign at Hardenhuish

  • Reward for top training firms

    BLACKADDER star and Time Team presenter Tony Robinson presented awards to six businesses from west and north Wiltshire at the county's first employer training awards on Friday. The ceremony was organised by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Wiltshire

  • Weddings continue at venue

    COUPLES in Melksham can continue exchanging marriage vows at the town hall after councillors said "we do" to a licence renewal request. Marriages booked at the town hall after April 2004 were placed in doubt when town councillors asked for more information

  • Speed traps on the move

    LASER technology is the latest hi-tech tool in Wiltshire Police's fight against speeding motorists. The Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership has four mobile camera units, fitted with infrared lasers and costing £30,000 each, which patrol designated

  • Council tax rise or services will suffer

    FURTHER council tax rises or cuts to services will be the two options faced by Swindon Council if the Government doesn't provide additional funding. That's the warning from the Local Government Association, which has sent a letter to deputy prime minister

  • Bath time for Tommy?

    Tommy Saunders has emerged as a contender for the vacant managerial position at Bath City but the former Bluebirds boss said he has not made up his mind whether to go for it or not. Bath sacked Alan Pridham on Wednesday after a poor run of results and

  • Players want Mings

    CHIPPENHAM-born Adie Mings has emerged as the players' choice to succeed Tommy Saunders as manager at Hardenhuish. Mings has been put in temporary charge of the club for the next few games, but striker Martin Paul has revealed that everyone is rooting

  • The force is with Pudsey

    Ref. 27772-19SHOPPERS at Swindon's Designer Outlet Village could have been forgiven for thinking Pudsey Bear was joining the cast of the next Star Wars movie. Pudsey mingled with characters from the film series, including deadly Stormtroopers, during

  • Bodin rates Chippenham above Bath

    FORMER Swindon Town star Paul Bodin has admitted he is more interested in the vacant position at Chippenham Town than he is in becoming manager of local rivals Bath City. Bodin has already expressed a keen interest in succeeding Tommy Saunders as manager

  • Harris rules himself out of running for vacancy

    TIM Harris has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial position at Hardenhuish although he admits he would like to get back into management if the right job came up. The former Newport County manager has been one of the names bandied

  • Mings could be ready to take over

    ADIE Mings admitted on Wednesday night that if results go his way over the next couple of weeks he would be interested in being the next Chippenham Town manager. The 33-year-old striker has the backing of all the players to take the job full time and

  • My friend Tommy is still best for the job

    Chippenham midfielder Steve Brown has hit out at the board's decision to part company with Tommy Saunders as the search for a new Chippenham Town manager gathers pace. Saunders was sacked last week, after a successful five and a half year reign at Hardenhuish

  • You must be certain

    Judge issues warning to jurors in the Razzell murder trial as they continue to consider their verdict today. THE jury in the trial at which Glyn Razzell is charged with murdering his wife Linda retired yesterday afternoon and deliberated for more than

  • Anniversary dinner

    Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce and a spectacular annual dinner/dance at the Civic Hall, Trowbridge on February 6. Tickets are £35.

  • Strategy praised

    WILTSHIRE-based train operator First Great Western has seen its training strategy commended by the county's Learning and Skills Council. The LSC Wiltshire and Swindon named First Great Western as an Innovation Award finalist. The train operator was recognised

  • New estate agent

    Taylor's Countrywide Estate Agents has opened in Warminster Road, Westbury after years of successful business in Frome. Executive manager Sue Vince, from Westbury, has worked in the estate agency business for 15 years.

  • Vision for town gets welcome boost

    PROJECTS across Wiltshire are getting a boost from the launch of the Third Economic Strategy for Wiltshire and Swindon on Thursday. Initiatives such as Vision for Trowbridge and Broadband connection will benefit from strategic planning by the Wiltshire

  • Reward for top training firms

    BLACKADDER star and Time Team presenter Tony Robinson presented awards to six businesses from west and north Wiltshire at the county's first employer training awards on Friday. The ceremony was organised by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Wiltshire

  • £60,000 for music centre

    Wiltshire Music Centre has been awarded nearly £60,000 to run musical projects for young disabled people in Wiltshire over the next two years. Around 400 disabled young people took part in a series of workshops at the Bradford on Avon centre last year

  • Mobile calls can cost you dearly

    Motorists caught holding a mobile phone while driving face an instant fine from December 1. But research by the RAC suggests many people are still in the dark about what they will and will not be able to do. The new law makes it a specific offence to

  • Puppets return

    A POPULAR show starring four-foot high puppets is returning to Westbury tomorrow. John Garland's Puppet Show has sold out every year. The show begins at 6pm on Saturday night at The Laverton and costs £2.50. Tickets are available from the TIC or (01373

  • Skateparks win backing

    YOUTH power has helped secure new skateparks in Westbury and Edington, after months of fundraising activity by young people. Teenagers in Edington celebrated on Thursday when developers moved in to build the £20,000 skatepark, which should be finished

  • Toymaker has ten month wait for op

    A CHARITY toymaker left in pain by a piece of metal in his hand has been told by doctors he could wait up to 10 months for an operation. Health bosses at the Royal United Hospital, Bath have refused to look at a slither of metal in Harry Cooper's left

  • Coping with teenagers

    A GROUP of west Wiltshire parents received certificates last week recognising their skills at coping with teenagers. They completed a training course to lead sessions for other parents run by the Wiltshire Parenting Support Project alongside Advice on

  • Walkers raise £100 for new nature centre

    STUDENTS from Wiltshire College have been helping raise money for a £263,000 project to create a tourist attraction and work for young adults with learning disabilities. Volunteers behind the Hope Nature Centre project have raised half the cash but still

  • Milk poisoner could be hoaxer

    Milk remains quarantined at Westbury Dairies despite tests revealing no traces of poison. Millions of litres of farmers' milk have been tested at the plant since a bankrupt farmer claimed he contaminated his supply last week. Police are still investigating

  • TIC signs 'must be improved'

    THE manager of Warminster's Tourist Information Centre is calling for better signs to help disabled visitors find their way around the town. Sheelagh Hardy, who has run the service since 1988, says poor signage has seen many visitors become frustrated

  • New challenge for MP

    A RESHUFFLE of the shadow cabinet has led to west Wilts MP Dr Andrew Murrison taking an unexpected seat on the opposition front bench. While Melksham MP Michael Ancram probably expected to keep his role as shadow foreign secretary, Dr Murrison admitted

  • No clues as to how man died

    POLICE are still trying to trace the last movements of a Swindon man who was found dead in the river at Bradford on Avon last month. The body of John-Paul Francis, 23, was found submerged in the River Avon underneath the railway bridge by police divers

  • Unfeeling and uncaring

    I WAS driving home from work on October 31 along Station Road in Westbury near Ross Hillman, when I saw a cat being knocked over by a moped-type motorbike. The cat was obviously hurt. He was arched in pain and so frightened when he hopped very awkwardly

  • Firms' fears over bypass

    BUSINESSES in and around Semington are worried the opening of the village's bypass could force them to close. They are now preparing action plans to help keep them afloat when the Semington bypass opens next year. Businesses fear the £12 million pound

  • Girl wins award for fundraising

    Ref. 27562AN 11-year-old girl has made a big splash winning an award for charity work after her mother died of cancer. Becky Burchell, of Hazlewood Road, Melksham, won a Warburton's Rising Star award after raising £1,350 for Macmillan Cancer Relief in

  • Danielle top of musical crop

    TEENAGER Danielle Jalowiecka has become the musical toast of Trowbridge after scooping a coveted prize. Recorder-playing Danielle, an A-Level student at St Augustine's Catholic College, was visibly stunned after being crowned Young Musician of the Year

  • Finding the best walks

    WESTBURY White Horse and Shearwater, near Warminster, are included in a new booklet of 10 illustrated walks launched by Wiltshire Tourism. The Walking in Wiltshire booklet features routes ranging from 2.5 to 10.5 miles with photographs, detailed descriptions

  • Education over breakfast

    People across Swindon are being asked to shape the future of further education. Swindon Learning and Skills Council is encouraging anyone with an interest in education to come along to a meeting at the Steam Museum early on Thursday. The meeting, called

  • Milk poisoner could be hoaxer

    Milk remains quarantined at Westbury Dairies despite tests revealing no traces of poison. Millions of litres of farmers' milk have been tested at the plant since a bankrupt farmer claimed he contaminated his supply last week. Police are still investigating

  • NeST gets ready for action

    A COMMUNITY group set up to fight crime in Haydon Wick has held its first meeting. Parish councillors, traders and local residents attended the inaugural meeting of the Neighbourhood Safety Team (NeST). Several similar groups have been set up in other

  • Percival at the double as leaders fight back

    TROWBRIDGE Town came from a goal behind to beat Melksham Town Reserves 3-1 at Woodmarsh on Saturday and keep their place at the top of the Wiltshire League Premier Division. A Dave Percival double and a late strike by Ricky Trott cancelled out Melksham's

  • Good work rewarded

    THE winner of this year's Warminster Civic Award says she will not be letting up in her fundraising efforts. Gladys Howlett, from Heytesbury, picked up the award for her dedicated work for a number of charities in and around Warminster. Winning the award

  • Coping with teenagers

    A GROUP of west Wiltshire parents received certificates last week recognising their skills at coping with teenagers. They completed a training course to lead sessions for other parents run by the Wiltshire Parenting Support Project alongside Advice on

  • Put our children first, not the paedophiles

    RE: "Released after half jail term" (Evening Advertiser, November 6) I hope the person who took the decision to release Simon Mutimer is also going to take the responsibility if he reoffends. The judge says he is a high risk. He should not have been released

  • Computerised road signs urge drivers to cut speed

    Speeding motorists are being urged to slow down by computerised road signs as part of a road safety scheme. Swindon Council's traffic management and road safety group have bought two vehicle-activated signs that flash the speed limit at drivers who exceed

  • Bell rings cup alarm

    DUNCAN Bell has achieved two of his dearest rugby wishes in the last fortnight and victory over Northampton Saints tomorrow (2.15pm) will take him one step nearer a third. Wins over heavyweights Gloucester and Leicester have added a splendid gloss to

  • Crowds gather to honour the fallen

    STREETS across Wiltshire fell silent on Sunday to honour lives lost in conflict as ex-serviceman and the public paid tribute. This year's Remembrance Sunday parade was attended by veterans, cadets and active servicemen and had a special poignancy with

  • BREAKING NEWS - Razzell found guilty of murder

    GLYN Razzell has been found guilty of the murder of his wife Linda, at the end of a 31-day trial at Bristol Crown Court. The jury returned a unanimous verdict on Razzell, 44, of Crewkerne, Somerset, who is starting a life sentence. Mother of four Linda

  • Plans to improve safety

    WILTSHIRE County Council is consulting the residents of Bowerhill in Melksham on proposals for a new traffic-calming scheme. The proposals, which cover Falcon Road, Mitchell Drive and Halifax Road, include 'build-outs', which reduce the road width to

  • Weekend teams

    SATURDAY Supermarine v Trowbridge, home (Meet 12.45pm): B Smith, J Barrett, N Moulden, P Ferris, R Dodd, T Gallimore, J Titcombe, K Ashman, J Hodgson, M White, P Prentice, S Packer, N Clarke, M Woodhouse, S Higginson, subs S Lane, M Sheppard, A Darrell

  • Get real, don't make Hill Street two-way

    I AM deeply sorry young Michael Davies was killed in Hill Street, Trowbridge and would like to add my opinion. As a driver who regularly uses this dangerous road (due to the fact my daughter lives in Kitcheners Court) I feel I have some insight as to

  • It's Wayne's world

    Ref. 27543MONTHS of hard work will pay off tonight for amateur fashion designer Wayne Palmer. Final rehearsals have been in full swing this week for Wayne's World Of Fashion presents The Four Seasons at Melksham Assembly Hall. Mr Palmer designed and made

  • Girl wins award for fundraising

    Ref. 27562AN 11-year-old girl has made a big splash winning an award for charity work after her mother died of cancer. Becky Burchell, of Hazlewood Road, Melksham, won a Warburton's Rising Star award after raising £1,350 for Macmillan Cancer Relief in

  • Fury over closure of towns' injury units

    THE people of Melksham and Warminster have slammed the decision to axe overnight emergency services at the towns' hospitals. West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, which runs the hospitals, announced on Thursday that both minor injuries units would close

  • Fury as top gymnastics coach is made redundant

    PARENTS of pupils at the Wiltshire School of Gymnastics, are furious after the top boys' coach was made redundant out of the blue on Monday. Levente Molnar-Schondorfer, boys' coach for two years, must now find a new job before his work visa runs out on

  • Takeaway objected to

    FEARS a 12th takeaway outlet could set-up in Melksham have been eased after town councillors voted to oppose the move. Councillors voted to object to an application for a takeaway in King Street at a meeting on Monday. King Street is already the site

  • JobCentre cutbacks

    JOBCENTRE bosses have been accused of acting like infamous rail boss Dr Beeching in their scaling-down of the service in Melksham. Confusion surrounds the future of the Church Street centre, earmarked for closure in 2005 so JobCentre Plus centres can

  • Fostering cash

    An increase of £600,000 a year has been promised to boost Wiltshire's foster care network. The county council is aiming to recruit more foster parents and hoping the extra cash will attract new volunteers. The cash package increases allowances paid to

  • Harris rules himself out of running for vacancy

    TIM Harris has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial position at Hardenhuish although he admits he would like to get back into management if the right job came up. The former Newport County manager has been one of the names bandied

  • Register could go on-line

    ONLINE records of councillors' registered interests could cut down on unnecessary red tape, according to two Melksham politicians. Terry Chivers and Angie Barker have joined forces to call for the registered interests of all west Wiltshire district and

  • George wins £500 for his school

    BUDDING artist George Taylor has won £500 for his school after coming first in a Christmas card design competition run by Swindon's Designer Outlet Village. The card, created by Ruskin Junior School pupil George, aged eight, will soon be appearing on

  • Banks eager to find the target again

    MELKSHAM Town's Wiltshire Senior Cup first round tie at home to Highworth tomorrow will bring back some fond memories for midfielder Kevin Banks. Banks, 22, scored Melksham's last goal in the 4-0 drubbing of Highworth in the semi-final of the competition

  • Labour of Love

    RHYS EVANS is desperately hoping to avoid becoming a 'father by tannoy' at Boundary Park tomorrow. The Town goalkeeper's partner Rachel was due to give birth to the couple's first child on Tuesday but the youngster has stubbornly refused to put in an

  • Luck is on John's side

    Ref. 27780-23The number 13 may be unlucky for some, but for John Morgan it netted him £100,000. John, 65, bought a £30 Million Spectacular scratchcard from Swindon newsagent Havelock News in Havelock Street last Friday. John, who works for seat belt company

  • Managerial excellence rewarded

    TWO Swindon managers have won plaudits from their professions. Andy Woodward, site manager at the Bovis Homes' Madison Walk development, has been named one of the country's top 100 site managers. Mr Woodward was given a seal of excellence at the House

  • Zurich's makeover leaves Sally Army sitting pretty

    Ref. 27736-19RESIDENTS at Davis House in Swindon are sitting more comfortably after a team of volunteers gave part of their dining room a makeover. Around 60 Zurich staff, working in teams of 15, redecorated the seating area for the 120 men and women

  • Three accused of storming RAF Fairford

    THREE anti-war protestors are on trial for storming RAF Fairford in the run-up to the Iraq war. Before Gloucester Crown Court yesterday were Katherine Holcombe, 42, of West Street, Evesham, Peter Cornock, 46, of Rutland Street, Cardiff, and Owen English

  • Changing Man

    SUPERMARINE firebrand Dave Slattery has vowed to clean up his act after seeing red again this week. The serial card collector was sent off for the second time this season after kicking out at Chippenham's Nathan Edwards in the 4-0 Wiltshire Premier Shield

  • She is not a burden

    THE case of the Ukrainian girl (EA, Nov 8) who may be deported is typical of this government. They let thousands of illegal immigrants stay in this country costing millions in benefits. Yet they want to deport a young student who is adopted by an English

  • Ancient role dating to the Saxons

    The Office of High Sheriff is at least 1,000 years old having its roots in Saxon times before the Norman Conquest. Originally the office held many of the powers now vested in Lords-Lieutenants, High Court judges, magistrates, local authorities, coroners

  • Spot the cameras

    DRIVERS can now find out information about safety cameras nationwide, thanks to a new website launched on Friday. The site provides links to all the camera locations in the UK and aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding the effective- ness of safety

  • Praise for youth

    YOUNG heroes were rewarded for their dedication to the community on Thursday. The Wiltshire Young People Awards, organised by the county council's youth development team honoured the hard work and achievements of young people across the county and those

  • Take care in the wet warning

    A RISE in accidents caused by wet weather has forced a stark warning from safety chiefs. Smashes on wet or flooded roads in Wiltshire increased from 827 in 2001 to 906 last year, and are being blamed on excessive speed. The rise comes as Government figures

  • Speed traps on the move

    LASER technology is the latest hi-tech tool in Wiltshire Police's fight against speeding motorists. The Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership has four mobile camera units, fitted with infrared lasers and costing £30,000 each, which patrol designated

  • Drivers told to slow down

    SPEED is undoubtedly one of the biggest killers on Wiltshire's roads. Causing an estimated one third of all fatalities, breaking the speed limit it is a commonplace crime with the potential to reap very tragic results. Just over a year ago the Wiltshire

  • Fostering cash

    An increase of £600,000 a year has been promised to boost Wiltshire's foster care network. The county council is aiming to recruit more foster parents and hoping the extra cash will attract new volunteers. The cash package increases allowances paid to

  • Club fined for no-show

    Trowbridge and District League Division Two side Lavington and Easterton United have been fined a total of £60 including the reimbursement of Hilperton United's match expenses for failing to fulfil their away fixture on October 11. The club have also

  • Where it all goes from us

    TONNES of waste from thousands of Wiltshire homes will be sent across the country for recycling as the scheme gets under way. After the boxes are picked up from the kerbside the state-of-the-art lorries will first drive to Compton Bassett, where the waste

  • Council ends use of B&Bs

    CHILDREN whose families have been made homeless will no longer be forced to live in west Wiltshire's B&Bs. West Wiltshire District Council has ended the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless families with children, five months ahead

  • Weekend football fixtures

    SWINDON SUNDAY LEAGUE Division One: AFC Gas v Tran Staff; Carriers Arms v Moonrakers; Jesters v Greyhound; New Century WMC v Juventus; Wroughton WMC v SKS Blyskawica. Division Two: Athletico v Penhill Utd; Dynamo Ashton v Pewsey Saints; Haydon Wick WMC

  • Trust sends its thanks, Ma'am

    KENNET and Avon Canal officials had a private audience with the Queen at Buckingham Palace last week to hand over a Declaration of Gratitude for her support during the canal's restoration. The canal was threatened with closure in 1956 and the Kennet and

  • Vision for town gets welcome boost

    PROJECTS across Wiltshire are getting a boost from the launch of the Third Economic Strategy for Wiltshire and Swindon on Thursday. Initiatives such as Vision for Trowbridge and Broadband connection will benefit from strategic planning by the Wiltshire

  • Defeat can't spoil Polly's big FA Cup day out

    THERE were no miracles at Hillsborough on Sunday as Salisbury City crashed 4-1 to Sheffield Wednesday in the first round of the FA Cup but Polly Parrot did not let the result spoil his big day. The former Trowbridge Town stalwart has been physio at Salisbury

  • College teaming up with Rovers

    WILTSHIRE College is teaming up with Forest Green Rovers football club to offer budding young football stars the chance to build a career in the game. From September 2004, students will be able to take full-time courses at Lackham College, near Chippenham

  • Defender Tim just can't stop scoring

    DEFENDER Tim Tasker scored his 13th goal of the season on Saturday as Biddestone warmed up for tomorrow's crunch match against rivals Trowbridge Town with a 3-1 home victory over Malmesbury Vic Reserves. The visitors fielded several first team players

  • Pang has the secret recipe

    BRADFORD Town's Tom Pang continued his prolific start to the season on Saturday by firing home a brace to seal a 3-1 victory at Chiseldon Castrol. The young striker's goal-scoring exploits have attracted a lot of interest from higher league clubs and

  • Surprise defeats open up title race

    DEFEATS for Division Two leaders Broughton Gifford Reserves and Warminster Town Reserves have opened the door for three Division Three sides of last term to battle out another promotion campaign. Unbeaten trio North Bradley Saints, Bradford United and

  • Wiltshire 2, Guernsey 2

    MARK Collier's Wiltshire side paid the penalty for a series of second half misses when they conceded a last gasp equaliser on Saturday. The home team could point the finger at a mysteriously long period of injury time, but they should have put the match

  • Take care in the wet warning

    A RISE in accidents caused by wet weather has forced a stark warning from safety chiefs. Smashes on wet or flooded roads in Wiltshire increased from 827 in 2001 to 906 last year, and are being blamed on excessive speed. The rise comes as Government figures

  • Banks eager to find the target again

    MELKSHAM Town's Wiltshire Senior Cup first round tie at home to Highworth tomorrow will bring back some fond memories for midfielder Kevin Banks. Banks, 22, scored Melksham's last goal in the 4-0 drubbing of Highworth in the semi-final of the competition

  • Bigger, by George

    The George Inn's menu is proving so popular that the Longbridge Deverill pub is planning to double the size of its kitchen. If it gets the go-ahead the new kitchen will have a second work station and room for up to five chefs.

  • Beck's wonder was a one-off

    CORSHAM Town defender Dan Beck travels to Wellington tomorrow with memories of the wonder goal he scored against them at The Southbank earlier in the season, but admits it is unlikely to happen again. Beck scored the winner in Corsham's 1-0 win at home

  • United bank on Russell's experience

    WESTBURY United will be hoping Russell Fishlock's experience in the Wiltshire Senior Cup will help them see off Wroughton at Meadow Lane in the first round tomorrow. The midfielder played an integral role in the Melksham side that lifted the trophy last

  • Charity stalwart retires

    THE founder of Wiltshire Crimestoppers officially retires from the police force today, but says he will continue to work tirelessly for the charity. Malcolm Keene, from Warm-inster, was asked to set up the service in March 1996 and since then it has had

  • Bath time for Tommy?

    Tommy Saunders has emerged as a contender for the vacant managerial position at Bath City but the former Bluebirds boss said he has not made up his mind whether to go for it or not. Bath sacked Alan Pridham on Wednesday after a poor run of results and

  • TIC signs 'must be improved'

    THE manager of Warminster's Tourist Information Centre is calling for better signs to help disabled visitors find their way around the town. Sheelagh Hardy, who has run the service since 1988, says poor signage has seen many visitors become frustrated

  • Taxi not insured

    A FINE imposed on a taxi driver for having no insurance should act as a warning to others, says a councillor. Carl Ley, 33, of West Street, Warminster, was fined £300 and ordered to pay £250 costs after admitting not having insurance between April 4 and

  • United bank on Russell's experience

    WESTBURY United will be hoping Russell Fishlock's experience in the Wiltshire Senior Cup will help them see off Wroughton at Meadow Lane in the first round tomorrow. The midfielder played an integral role in the Melksham side that lifted the trophy last

  • We can't help until you break the law

    EXCLUSIVE: A TROUBLED teenager desperate to avoid a life of crime has been told the only way to get help for his escalating anger problem is to break the law. Even a police caution is enough for Youth Offending teams to step-in, but Terence Painter's

  • School celebrates library opening

    STRONG community spirit has helped Westbury Junior School complete a major refurbishment and rebuilding scheme. Teachers, parents, governors and staff from ASDA helped replace school toilets and create a new library and first aid room. The finishing touches

  • Line of help for elderly

    A NEW careline aims to help the elderly and their carers. It is run by Swindon Coun-cil's social services and has an information team available on 01793 466644 and can give out information about getting care and support and how to go about getting more

  • Residents are 'in dark' over Kingston Mill

    PATIENCE is wearing thin in Bradford on Avon over the five-year delay on the development of Kingston Mill. On Tuesday town councillors resolved to write to developer Taylor Woodrow, saying they should be kept abreast of plans for the former Avon Rubber

  • Wylye Wanderer

    RESIDENTS living in the Wylye Valley are set to get a new bus service linking them to Warminster and Salisbury. Following a successful bid for Government funding, work is now underway to launch the Wylye Wanderer service in the New Year. The initiative

  • Event draws huge crowd

    A FIREWORKS spectacular in Bradford on Avon drew a record crowd on Saturday and organisers are already appealing for sponsors to make next year's event bigger and better. More than 2,000 spectators crowded into the Beehive Field, Trowbridge Road, for

  • Striker Glenn is staying put

    CALNE boss Kelvin Highmore has confirmed that striker Glenn Armstrong is to remain at Bremhill View despite playing for Fairford on Wednesday night. The Hellenic League side made an approach for the forward and he was a scoring substitute in the 4-1 win

  • Skateparks win backing

    YOUTH power has helped secure new skateparks in Westbury and Edington, after months of fundraising activity by young people. Teenagers in Edington celebrated on Thursday when developers moved in to build the £20,000 skatepark, which should be finished

  • Event draws huge crowd

    A FIREWORKS spectacular in Bradford on Avon drew a record crowd on Saturday and organisers are already appealing for sponsors to make next year's event bigger and better. More than 2,000 spectators crowded into the Beehive Field, Trowbridge Road, for

  • Re-route the Hilperton traffic

    I READ with interest your article on the fact that the Hilperton Gap road is to get the go-ahead, despite the county council's inability to finish the inner Trowbridge relief road, or taking into account the proposed alternative route by Hilperton Parish

  • Get real, don't make Hill Street two-way

    I AM deeply sorry young Michael Davies was killed in Hill Street, Trowbridge and would like to add my opinion. As a driver who regularly uses this dangerous road (due to the fact my daughter lives in Kitcheners Court) I feel I have some insight as to

  • Saunders a fallen idol

    The demise of a hero is always sad. The king is dead, long live the king. That is how I initially view the departure of Tommy Saunders from Chippenham Town. One hopes that in future historical reviews of the Bluebirds it will honestly recall that Tommy

  • From cat litter to the cat's whiskers

    UNTIL NOVEMBER 22, BATH: Sarah Hadland's most embarrassing claim to fame is starring in a cat litter advert. But she will be appearing Bath next week in a more serious role. Sarah, 32, from London, plays Joan Helford in JB Priestley's Time and The Conways

  • Time for another stage appearance

    NOVEMBER 17 - 22, BATH: PENELOPE KEITH makes a welcome return to Bath next week as she stars in JB Priestley's compelling drama Time And The Conways. One of the finest plays from the author of An Inspector Calls and Dangerous Corner, Time And The Conways

  • Duchess delayed

    WILTSHIRE dignitaries were kept waiting yesterday when a train delayed an official visit to Devizes by the Duchess of Gloucester. But there were still smiles all round when the duchess arrived an hour late to open the Wiltshire Emergency Communic-ations

  • Businesses warned of data protection scam

    A BRADFORD ON AVON landlady and a Trowbridge landlord are warning businesses to be on their guard after receiving a letter in a data protection scam demanding she pay £95. Julie Lynch, landlady of The George, Woolley Street, received a letter reputing

  • It's Wayne's world

    Ref. 27543MONTHS of hard work will pay off tonight for amateur fashion designer Wayne Palmer. Final rehearsals have been in full swing this week for Wayne's World Of Fashion presents The Four Seasons at Melksham Assembly Hall. Mr Palmer designed and made

  • Firms' fears over bypass

    BUSINESSES in and around Semington are worried the opening of the village's bypass could force them to close. They are now preparing action plans to help keep them afloat when the Semington bypass opens next year. Businesses fear the £12 million pound

  • Line of help for elderly

    A NEW careline aims to help the elderly and their carers. It is run by Swindon Coun-cil's social services and has an information team available on 01793 466644 and can give out information about getting care and support and how to go about getting more

  • We're still making it work

    Recent job cuts by Swindon firms may suggest that the town's boom time has ended. But ANDY TATE finds we are still bucking the national trend. Swindon is booming. A look at the unemployment figures suggests the town has never had it so good. The number

  • Three accused of storming RAF Fairford

    THREE anti-war protestors are on trial for storming RAF Fairford in the run-up to the Iraq war. Before Gloucester Crown Court yesterday were Katherine Holcombe, 42, of West Street, Evesham, Peter Cornock, 46, of Rutland Street, Cardiff, and Owen English

  • Rhys's eyes will be on the bawl!

    Ref. 27790-26MOST mothers-to-be would let fly with a volley of expletives if their partner said they were off to play football rather than attend the birth of their first child. However, Rachel Cripps is happy to accept the excuse from her boyfriend as

  • Drivers told to slow down

    SPEED is undoubtedly one of the biggest killers on Wiltshire's roads. Causing an estimated one third of all fatalities, breaking the speed limit it is a commonplace crime with the potential to reap very tragic results. Just over a year ago the Wiltshire

  • Weekend teams

    SATURDAY Supermarine v Trowbridge, home (Meet 12.45pm): B Smith, J Barrett, N Moulden, P Ferris, R Dodd, T Gallimore, J Titcombe, K Ashman, J Hodgson, M White, P Prentice, S Packer, N Clarke, M Woodhouse, S Higginson, subs S Lane, M Sheppard, A Darrell

  • Marine target vase surprise

    SUPERMARINE can put their league troubles aside for a week by plotting a second-round Dorset & Wilts 1st XV Vase shock for Trowbridge tomorrow. The South Marston side's form in Dorset & Wilts One has been less than impressive so far this term,

  • Chrysler coupe comes to swindon

    Swindon Chrysler and Jeep dealer Dick Lovett is revving up for the arrival of the new Chrysler Crossfire this weekend. Motorists can get their first viewing of the Crossfire tomorrow November 15, at the dealership in Ashworth Road, Bridgemead, before

  • Spot the cameras

    DRIVERS can now find out information about safety cameras nationwide, thanks to a new website launched on Friday. The site provides links to all the camera locations in the UK and aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding the effective- ness of safety

  • Protests at President's visit

    A SERIES of events to protest at American President George W Bush's state visit to England have been organised in Swindon. Mr Bush arrives in London next Wednesday for a three day trip. The day Mr Bush arrives, there will be a street theatre event by

  • School makes a team effort

    STUDLEY Green Primary School's collection for Operation Christmas Child was a real team effort with all 203 pupils taking part. At a special assembly on Friday the Trowbridge school gathered together enough gifts to fill 71 boxes for needy children. Pupils

  • Charlotte fund will continue

    A FUNDRAISING drive is carrying on in memory of Trowbridge schoolgirl Charlotte Wakeham with several planned for the run up to Christmas. Charlotte's grandmother Wendy Bryant has booked Melksham Labour Club for an all-day darts tournament on December

  • TV stars join Virgin Mobile for biggest fundraising day

    STARS from BBC TV shows could be dropping in to Trowbridge to help staff at Virgin Mobile take pledges for Children in Need. The firm's flagship call centre, on the White Horse Business Park, will be awash with star quality on Friday, when it is transformed

  • Cooking oil is blamed for blaze

    Neighbours raised the alarm when a kitchen fire broke out at a block of flats in Trowbridge. Smoke was pouring out of doors and windows at a property in Hawthorn Grove by the time fire crews arrived around 7.15pm on Saturday. Crews from Trowbridge, Westbury

  • Walkers raise £100 for new nature centre

    STUDENTS from Wiltshire College have been helping raise money for a £263,000 project to create a tourist attraction and work for young adults with learning disabilities. Volunteers behind the Hope Nature Centre project have raised half the cash but still

  • George set to light up the town at festive switch-on

    BANKERS have stepped in at the last minute to save the Trowbridge Christmas lights switch-on which takes place tonight after new pavements threatened the ceremony. Officials at HSBC adopted a Scrooge-style response when asked if the annual ceremony could

  • Firms' fears over bypass

    BUSINESSES in and around Semington are worried the opening of the village's bypass could force them to close. They are now preparing action plans to help keep them afloat when the Semington bypass opens next year. Businesses fear the £12 million pound

  • Shop trio targeted in thefts

    SHOP-OWNERS in Trowbridge are being warned to tighten-up security after three town centre shops were targeted in as many days. Mobile phone store Premier Communications is the latest victim with £5,000 of mobile phones and electronic equipment stolen

  • Arsonists destroy film man's home

    AN ARSON attack on a Hollywood film-maker's canal boat moored just yards from a police station left the barge a smouldering wreck. The Turnstone was moored on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Semington when the arsonist struck in the early hours of Friday

  • Pang has the secret recipe

    BRADFORD Town's Tom Pang continued his prolific start to the season on Saturday by firing home a brace to seal a 3-1 victory at Chiseldon Castrol. The young striker's goal-scoring exploits have attracted a lot of interest from higher league clubs and

  • Weekend football fixtures

    SWINDON SUNDAY LEAGUE Division One: AFC Gas v Tran Staff; Carriers Arms v Moonrakers; Jesters v Greyhound; New Century WMC v Juventus; Wroughton WMC v SKS Blyskawica. Division Two: Athletico v Penhill Utd; Dynamo Ashton v Pewsey Saints; Haydon Wick WMC

  • £15m cash injection to get Vision started

    NEWS it could take a £15m injection of public money to kick-start the Vision for Trowbridge poured cold water on the project at its grand unveiling. Executive documents were handed out to civic leaders at a meeting on Tuesday, with proposals meeting a

  • We can't help until you break the law

    EXCLUSIVE: A TROUBLED teenager desperate to avoid a life of crime has been told the only way to get help for his escalating anger problem is to break the law. Even a police caution is enough for Youth Offending teams to step-in, but Terence Painter's

  • Striker Glenn is staying put

    CALNE boss Kelvin Highmore has confirmed that striker Glenn Armstrong is to remain at Bremhill View despite playing for Fairford on Wednesday night. The Hellenic League side made an approach for the forward and he was a scoring substitute in the 4-1 win

  • Saunders to offer Devizes assistance?

    DEVIZES manager Dave Hopkins has offered former Chippenham boss Tommy Saunders the chance to end his brief exile from the game. Hopkins has invited Saunders to Nursteed Road to offer advice to his troops and help recruit new players. Hopkins said: "I've

  • Fisher's revenge mission

    THE Wiltshire Senior Cup kicks-off tomorrow and one of the favourites for the competition is guaranteed to fall at the first hurdle. Melksham and Highworth collide at the Conigre and the Swindon side are out for revenge against the cup holders. Melksham

  • Fisher's revenge mission

    THE Wiltshire Senior Cup kicks-off tomorrow and one of the favourites for the competition is guaranteed to fall at the first hurdle. Melksham and Highworth collide at the Conigre and the Swindon side are out for revenge against the cup holders. Melksham

  • A child's luck might eventually run out

    I WOULD like to draw everyone's attention, especially drivers, to the pedestrian crossing at the top of Seymour Road, Trowbridge. Last week, when collecting my granddaughter from her nursery school at Margaret Stancombe School, my daughter and I witnessed

  • 'We enjoy it at the top' Connolly

    JOHN Connolly says that Bath should enjoy the new-found pressure of being the team that everyone wants to beat. His side's scintillating form has propelled them to the top of the Premiership after nine games and makes them hot favourites to gain Powergen

  • Pike trials proving to be a huge hit at Chew

    THE second week of the pike trials at Chew Valley has seen more extraordinary fish taken. Steve Kiff took a beautiful specimen of 35lb 4oz on a smelt from the Stratford area and Pete Gregory had a 33lb 8oz beauty from Villice on a mackerel bait. Woodford

  • Recycling now on many doorsteps

    KERBSIDE recycling, the biggest doorstep rubbish initiative ever to hit west Wiltshire, began this week with the first collections. Homes in Trowbridge, Melksham and Hilperton are the latest to be included in the £1m scheme, in a bid to reduce the county's

  • Computerised road signs urge drivers to cut speed

    Speeding motorists are being urged to slow down by computerised road signs as part of a road safety scheme. Swindon Council's traffic management and road safety group have bought two vehicle-activated signs that flash the speed limit at drivers who exceed

  • Luck is on John's side

    Ref. 27780-23The number 13 may be unlucky for some, but for John Morgan it netted him £100,000. John, 65, bought a £30 Million Spectacular scratchcard from Swindon newsagent Havelock News in Havelock Street last Friday. John, who works for seat belt company

  • Science chooses camera locations

    IT is analyst Kevin Bolan's job to identify the roads most in need of speed cameras. Using a computer system linked to police headquarters in Devizes, he can probe the safety record of any road in the county. Coloured stars on a map mark areas of tragedy

  • Bodin rates Chippenham above Bath

    FORMER Swindon Town star Paul Bodin has admitted he is more interested in the vacant position at Chippenham Town than he is in becoming manager of local rivals Bath City. Bodin has already expressed a keen interest in succeeding Tommy Saunders as manager

  • Plea to help clear railway path

    VOLUNTEERS are needed for a Winter Work Day to help clear an overgrown railway path. Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, is seeking volunteers to help clear vegetation on the Chiseldon to Marlborough railway path. This section will form part

  • Anniversary dinner

    Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce and a spectacular annual dinner/dance at the Civic Hall, Trowbridge on February 6. Tickets are £35.

  • Protests at President's visit

    A SERIES of events to protest at American President George W Bush's state visit to England have been organised in Swindon. Mr Bush arrives in London next Wednesday for a three day trip. The day Mr Bush arrives, there will be a street theatre event by

  • Education over breakfast

    People across Swindon are being asked to shape the future of further education. Swindon Learning and Skills Council is encouraging anyone with an interest in education to come along to a meeting at the Steam Museum early on Thursday. The meeting, called

  • George wins £500 for his school

    BUDDING artist George Taylor has won £500 for his school after coming first in a Christmas card design competition run by Swindon's Designer Outlet Village. The card, created by Ruskin Junior School pupil George, aged eight, will soon be appearing on

  • Councillors vote for an increase in allowances

    SWINDON councillors have voted themselves higher meal and travel allowances. Their breakfast entitlement has gone up from £4.92 to £5.30. Lunch has increased from £6.77 to £7.30, and they may now spend £8.90 on their evening meal, instead of £8.38. They

  • Put our children first, not the paedophiles

    RE: "Released after half jail term" (Evening Advertiser, November 6) I hope the person who took the decision to release Simon Mutimer is also going to take the responsibility if he reoffends. The judge says he is a high risk. He should not have been released

  • Reborn Catt comes full circle

    Mike Catt will complete one of English rugby's greatest comebacks when he runs out in the World Cup semi-final against France on Sunday. The 32-year-old Bath centre has forced himself into England boss Clive Woodward's midfield equation, removing his

  • 'We enjoy it at the top' Connolly

    JOHN Connolly says that Bath should enjoy the new-found pressure of being the team that everyone wants to beat. His side's scintillating form has propelled them to the top of the Premiership after nine games and makes them hot favourites to gain Powergen

  • School makes a team effort

    STUDLEY Green Primary School's collection for Operation Christmas Child was a real team effort with all 203 pupils taking part. At a special assembly on Friday the Trowbridge school gathered together enough gifts to fill 71 boxes for needy children. Pupils

  • A lot of work to be done

    FURTHER details have emerged which show more clearly how Swindon's troubled social services department is failing vulnerable people. As reported in yesterday's Evening Advertiser, a withering report has revealed that the department is among the worst-performing

  • Defenders return to bolster Mings' Bluebirds

    CHIPPENHAM TOWN entertain Stafford Rangers in the Dr Martens Premier Division tomorrow and caretaker boss Adie Mings insists his basement-dwelling troops enter the contest in high spirits. A morale-boosting 4-0 win over Supermarine on Wednesday broke

  • OAPs find fuel for campaign

    PENSIONERS pressing for a fairer council tax deal say they will use a 58 per cent rise in district councillors' allowances as fuel for their campaign. Last week members of West Wiltshire District Council voted for their basic allowances to rise from £1,750

  • No longer harmless fun

    ON Halloween last year I opened the door several times. There were large groups of children of all ages standing with buckets and bags all held out for me to put something in. I call this begging and I do not agree with it, so this year I decided not

  • Arsonists destroy film man's home

    AN ARSON attack on a Hollywood film-maker's canal boat moored just yards from a police station left the barge a smouldering wreck. The Turnstone was moored on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Semington when the arsonist struck in the early hours of Friday

  • Mings could be ready to take over

    ADIE Mings admitted on Wednesday night that if results go his way over the next couple of weeks he would be interested in being the next Chippenham Town manager. The 33-year-old striker has the backing of all the players to take the job full time and

  • New estate agent

    Taylor's Countrywide Estate Agents has opened in Warminster Road, Westbury after years of successful business in Frome. Executive manager Sue Vince, from Westbury, has worked in the estate agency business for 15 years.

  • Pleasant food and good service

    LOOKING for somewhere sophisticated to eat in Bath is not much of a chore. You are surrounded by grandiose Georgian buildings housing some of the south west's best eateries. It just all rides on what you are looking for. Taking my friend Claire for a

  • Unveiling of the new high sheriff of Wiltshire

    CONGRATULATIONS to James Arkell, who has been unveiled as Wiltshire's new High Sheriff the Queen's representative in the county for law and order. Mr Arkell is already known to many as the managing director of Arkell's brewery in Swindon. We are sure

  • From cat litter to the cat's whiskers

    UNTIL NOVEMBER 22, BATH: Sarah Hadland's most embarrassing claim to fame is starring in a cat litter advert. But she will be appearing Bath next week in a more serious role. Sarah, 32, from London, plays Joan Helford in JB Priestley's Time and The Conways

  • Labour of Love

    RHYS EVANS is desperately hoping to avoid becoming a 'father by tannoy' at Boundary Park tomorrow. The Town goalkeeper's partner Rachel was due to give birth to the couple's first child on Tuesday but the youngster has stubbornly refused to put in an

  • Rhys's eyes will be on the bawl!

    Ref. 27790-26MOST mothers-to-be would let fly with a volley of expletives if their partner said they were off to play football rather than attend the birth of their first child. However, Rachel Cripps is happy to accept the excuse from her boyfriend as

  • Schemes on view to public

    DETAILS on the Westbury bypass, the Hilperton gap route and other schemes in the West Wiltshire District Plan are now on show for public scrutiny. The final stage of public consultation on the West Wiltshire District Plan First Alteration began on Wednesday

  • It's all being done for the public votes

    SOURCES in the military aviation community have revealed to me that "some consideration is being given to moving assets out of RAF Odiham and into RAF Lyneham". This means helicopters the noisiest and most irritating flying machines known to civilised

  • Defeat can't spoil Polly's big FA Cup day out

    THERE were no miracles at Hillsborough on Sunday as Salisbury City crashed 4-1 to Sheffield Wednesday in the first round of the FA Cup but Polly Parrot did not let the result spoil his big day. The former Trowbridge Town stalwart has been physio at Salisbury

  • Saturday's local football fixtures

    DR MARTENS LEAGUE Premier Division: Bath City v Nuneaton Borough; Chippenham Tn v Stafford Rangers; Dover Athletic v Merthyr Tydfil; Grantham Tn v Chelmsford City; Havant & Waterlooville v Cambridge City; Hinckley Utd v Crawley Tn; Moor Green v Welling

  • Residents are 'in dark' over Kingston Mill

    PATIENCE is wearing thin in Bradford on Avon over the five-year delay on the development of Kingston Mill. On Tuesday town councillors resolved to write to developer Taylor Woodrow, saying they should be kept abreast of plans for the former Avon Rubber

  • Marine target vase surprise

    SUPERMARINE can put their league troubles aside for a week by plotting a second-round Dorset & Wilts 1st XV Vase shock for Trowbridge tomorrow. The South Marston side's form in Dorset & Wilts One has been less than impressive so far this term,

  • We can't help until you break the law

    EXCLUSIVE: A TROUBLED teenager desperate to avoid a life of crime has been told the only way to get help for his escalating anger problem is to break the law. Even a police caution is enough for Youth Offending teams to step-in, but Terence Painter's

  • George set to light up the town at festive switch-on

    BANKERS have stepped in at the last minute to save the Trowbridge Christmas lights switch-on which takes place tonight after new pavements threatened the ceremony. Officials at HSBC adopted a Scrooge-style response when asked if the annual ceremony could

  • Cooking oil is blamed for blaze

    Neighbours raised the alarm when a kitchen fire broke out at a block of flats in Trowbridge. Smoke was pouring out of doors and windows at a property in Hawthorn Grove by the time fire crews arrived around 7.15pm on Saturday. Crews from Trowbridge, Westbury

  • Club's future is in your hands

    MALCOLM Lyus has put the future of Chippenham Town Football Club in the hands of the Bluebirds supporters. Speaking before Wednesday night's victory at home to Supermarine, the Town chairman said the league they play in next season will be decided by

  • No one will ever match Saunders

    COLIN Bush believes the sacking of Tommy Saunders was the final page of the most successful chapter in Chippenham Town's history, but he hopes it will not be the end of the story. Corsham Town manager Bush spent five years at Hardenhuish as Saunders'

  • Walker double fires Bradford to cup win

    CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE: FOURTH Division FC Bradford completed one of the shock results of the day in the first round of the PPL Presto Print sponsored Eric Hughes Memorial Knockout Cup. They went into their game with Division One outfit Semington Rovers

  • Businesses warned of data protection scam

    A BRADFORD ON AVON landlady and a Trowbridge landlord are warning businesses to be on their guard after receiving a letter in a data protection scam demanding she pay £95. Julie Lynch, landlady of The George, Woolley Street, received a letter reputing

  • Firms' fears over bypass

    BUSINESSES in and around Semington are worried the opening of the village's bypass could force them to close. They are now preparing action plans to help keep them afloat when the Semington bypass opens next year. Businesses fear the £12 million pound

  • Shop trio targeted in thefts

    SHOP-OWNERS in Trowbridge are being warned to tighten-up security after three town centre shops were targeted in as many days. Mobile phone store Premier Communications is the latest victim with £5,000 of mobile phones and electronic equipment stolen

  • Switching on times

    OLD Town's Christmas lights are to be switched on at 7pm on Thursday, November 20 on the corner of Victoria Road and Wood Street. Festivities start at 6pm, with clowns, Goldilocks, Father Christmas and the Swindon Male Voice Choir. Wood Street will be

  • Collection is being made for sanctuary

    A COLLECTION will be made this weekend in aid of the sanctuary that is caring for a swan injured in a shooting incident in Swindon. The town was shocked when a male swan and a duck were shot dead and a female swan shot in the Old Town Gardens. Regular

  • OAPs find fuel for campaign

    PENSIONERS pressing for a fairer council tax deal say they will use a 58 per cent rise in district councillors' allowances as fuel for their campaign. Last week members of West Wiltshire District Council voted for their basic allowances to rise from £1,750

  • Fundraisers seek their Lady Godiva

    A NAKED woman parading through the streets of Westbury is set to draw the crowds and raise hundreds of pounds for charity. Fundraisers are planning to parade Lady Godiva in Westbury High Street as the centrepiece of the town's Children in Need efforts

  • Defender Tim just can't stop scoring

    DEFENDER Tim Tasker scored his 13th goal of the season on Saturday as Biddestone warmed up for tomorrow's crunch match against rivals Trowbridge Town with a 3-1 home victory over Malmesbury Vic Reserves. The visitors fielded several first team players

  • Schemes on view to public

    DETAILS on the Westbury bypass, the Hilperton gap route and other schemes in the West Wiltshire District Plan are now on show for public scrutiny. The final stage of public consultation on the West Wiltshire District Plan First Alteration began on Wednesday

  • School celebrates library opening

    STRONG community spirit has helped Westbury Junior School complete a major refurbishment and rebuilding scheme. Teachers, parents, governors and staff from ASDA helped replace school toilets and create a new library and first aid room. The finishing touches

  • £60,000 for music centre

    Wiltshire Music Centre has been awarded nearly £60,000 to run musical projects for young disabled people in Wiltshire over the next two years. Around 400 disabled young people took part in a series of workshops at the Bradford on Avon centre last year

  • Saunders to offer Devizes assistance?

    DEVIZES manager Dave Hopkins has offered former Chippenham boss Tommy Saunders the chance to end his brief exile from the game. Hopkins has invited Saunders to Nursteed Road to offer advice to his troops and help recruit new players. Hopkins said: "I've

  • Toymaker has ten month wait for op

    A CHARITY toymaker left in pain by a piece of metal in his hand has been told by doctors he could wait up to 10 months for an operation. Health bosses at the Royal United Hospital, Bath have refused to look at a slither of metal in Harry Cooper's left

  • In the dark of the night

    THE Magic Round-about, that terrifying testament to the skill and sadism of Swindon planners, is a lot easier to tackle at 3am, when there aren't any other cars about. That's at least part of the thinking behind a dusk-til-dawn service offered by Safeway

  • Reborn Catt comes full circle

    Mike Catt will complete one of English rugby's greatest comebacks when he runs out in the World Cup semi-final against France on Sunday. The 32-year-old Bath centre has forced himself into England boss Clive Woodward's midfield equation, removing his

  • Council ends use of B&Bs

    CHILDREN whose families have been made homeless will no longer be forced to live in west Wiltshire's B&Bs. West Wiltshire District Council has ended the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless families with children, five months ahead

  • Players want Mings

    CHIPPENHAM-born Adie Mings has emerged as the players' choice to succeed Tommy Saunders as manager at Hardenhuish. Mings has been put in temporary charge of the club for the next few games, but striker Martin Paul has revealed that everyone is rooting

  • Dustman strikes it lucky

    THE luck of the Irish has struck three times for a Trowbridge dustman after hitting gold again on Saturday. George Burrell, 58, of Seymour Road, has now scooped £7,500 from the Irish Lottery in just one year. His most recent success came on Saturday winning

  • Would we get similar treatment?

    IN support of all Bradford traders, I have two thoughts on the French market invasion. 1. Much of what was on sale was overpriced or of poor quality. 2. Lovely as it is to have activity in the town on a sunny day, I couldn't help wondering how English

  • Money well spent?

    SO far £645,000 has been shelled out on the VIsion for Trowbridge project. It will be money well spent if we can revolutionise the centre of what is, at the moment, loosely posing as Wiltshire's county town. It will not be money well spent if taxpayers

  • League plan to reward clubs for being good hosts

    THE Screwfix Direct League are to recycle two of their old trophies after deciding it was time to recognise the hospitality shown by member clubs in its own right. The Alan Young trophy and the Wilf Escott trophy will be presented at the end of this season

  • Academy pupils pass their Test

    GLOUCESTERSHIRE all-rounder Roger Sillence was at Corsham cricket club on Saturday night to help celebrate the academy's presentation night. The academy has been in place for a number of years but after a reorganisation at the start of last season they

  • We're still making it work

    Recent job cuts by Swindon firms may suggest that the town's boom time has ended. But ANDY TATE finds we are still bucking the national trend. Swindon is booming. A look at the unemployment figures suggests the town has never had it so good. The number

  • Stef and Co look to close in on leaders

    WITH the Premier Division leaders in Wiltshire Senior Cup action, AFC Stratton have the perfect chance to close the gap on Trowbridge and Biddestone, writes RAY BURROUGHS. Stratton are at home to Melksham Town Reserves and need to win to keep up the pressure

  • Bigger, by George

    The George Inn's menu is proving so popular that the Longbridge Deverill pub is planning to double the size of its kitchen. If it gets the go-ahead the new kitchen will have a second work station and room for up to five chefs.

  • More risks to life and limb

    I WONDER if anyone can enlighten me as to the logic behind the recent changes to traffic flow at the junction of Market Street and Castle Street, Trowbridge. As you will know there have been signs recently erected forbidding left turns for traffic, other

  • Trowbridge 29, Westbury 10

    TROWBRIDGE responded to the previous week's narrow defeat at Bournemouth in excellent fashion as they eased to a comfortable win over their neighbours on Saturday. This was the first time the two had met in the league for nearly two years and with both

  • Weddings continue at venue

    COUPLES in Melksham can continue exchanging marriage vows at the town hall after councillors said "we do" to a licence renewal request. Marriages booked at the town hall after April 2004 were placed in doubt when town councillors asked for more information

  • Fury over closure of towns' injury units

    THE people of Melksham and Warminster have slammed the decision to axe overnight emergency services at the towns' hospitals. West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, which runs the hospitals, announced on Thursday that both minor injuries units would close

  • Have your say on plan

    RESIDENTS in Bowerhill, Melksham, have been asked to comment on proposals for a new traffic-calming scheme. Suggestions for the plan, covering Falcon Road, Mitchell Drive and Halifax Road, include build outs to reduce the road width to one lane and slow

  • Shop trio targeted in thefts

    SHOP-OWNERS in Trowbridge are being warned to tighten-up security after three town centre shops were targeted in as many days. Mobile phone store Premier Communications is the latest victim with £5,000 of mobile phones and electronic equipment stolen

  • Strategy praised

    WILTSHIRE-based train operator First Great Western has seen its training strategy commended by the county's Learning and Skills Council. The LSC Wiltshire and Swindon named First Great Western as an Innovation Award finalist. The train operator was recognised

  • Pupils lay wreaths to honour war dead

    THE youth of Trowbridge paid their own tribute to men and women killed in conflict when they laid floral wreaths at the town's war memorial on Tuesday. Marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, pupils from Claren-don Secondary School and

  • Search is on for best employee

    NOMINATIONS are now open for an award which celebrates the best employees in Trowbridge. The annual Employee of the Year competition, organised by the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, aims to find workers who provide the best customer service. The closing

  • Pleasant food and good service

    LOOKING for somewhere sophisticated to eat in Bath is not much of a chore. You are surrounded by grandiose Georgian buildings housing some of the south west's best eateries. It just all rides on what you are looking for. Taking my friend Claire for a

  • Managerial excellence rewarded

    TWO Swindon managers have won plaudits from their professions. Andy Woodward, site manager at the Bovis Homes' Madison Walk development, has been named one of the country's top 100 site managers. Mr Woodward was given a seal of excellence at the House

  • Would we get similar treatment?

    IN support of all Bradford traders, I have two thoughts on the French market invasion. 1. Much of what was on sale was overpriced or of poor quality. 2. Lovely as it is to have activity in the town on a sunny day, I couldn't help wondering how English

  • Parking fee was never the issue

    Referring to the recent article in the Wiltshire Times re car parking at Lovemead, we would like to add that this is a situation which any users of the car park could find themselves in. Also, we would like to point out that we think our first letter

  • Ceiling of 48 hours

    British employees are currently free to work as many hours as they choose. But recent rumblings from the European Commission suggest it might not be too long before workers are limited to putting in a 48-hour week. Britain currently has an opt-out of

  • Taylor promises changes after defeat

    CHRIS Taylor will be making changes for tomorrow's Wilts Senior Cup first round match at home to Amesbury after running out of patience with his Warminster side. The Warminster manager blasted his team's performance in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to

  • Fundraisers seek their Lady Godiva

    A NAKED woman parading through the streets of Westbury is set to draw the crowds and raise hundreds of pounds for charity. Fundraisers are planning to parade Lady Godiva in Westbury High Street as the centrepiece of the town's Children in Need efforts

  • Finding the best walks

    WESTBURY White Horse and Shearwater, near Warminster, are included in a new booklet of 10 illustrated walks launched by Wiltshire Tourism. The Walking in Wiltshire booklet features routes ranging from 2.5 to 10.5 miles with photographs, detailed descriptions

  • Register could go on-line

    ONLINE records of councillors' registered interests could cut down on unnecessary red tape, according to two Melksham politicians. Terry Chivers and Angie Barker have joined forces to call for the registered interests of all west Wiltshire district and

  • Science chooses camera locations

    IT is analyst Kevin Bolan's job to identify the roads most in need of speed cameras. Using a computer system linked to police headquarters in Devizes, he can probe the safety record of any road in the county. Coloured stars on a map mark areas of tragedy

  • Trust sends its thanks, Ma'am

    KENNET and Avon Canal officials had a private audience with the Queen at Buckingham Palace last week to hand over a Declaration of Gratitude for her support during the canal's restoration. The canal was threatened with closure in 1956 and the Kennet and

  • MP to help fight charges blunder

    PENSIONER Maurice Stribling is gunning for London mayor Ken Livingstone after two more congestion charge tickets dropped through his door. West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison has taken up the case and will meet with the 73-year-old Trowbridge resident

  • Duchess delayed

    WILTSHIRE dignitaries were kept waiting yesterday when a train delayed an official visit to Devizes by the Duchess of Gloucester. But there were still smiles all round when the duchess arrived an hour late to open the Wiltshire Emergency Communic-ations