At the meeting of the full council on January 15, Chippenham town councillors voted for an increase in the precept of 10.28 per cent, due in part to the phased withdrawal of the Transitional Grant Funding by Wiltshire Council.

It is increasingly likely that this funding will completely disappear or be reduced even further in line with the central government comprehensive spending reviews.

Bearing in mind that all town and parish councils are facing legislation that will seek to impose a cap on the level of council tax increases they can set, I supported and voted for the increase, equating to 27 pence per Band D home per week.

However, I could not support the amendment put forward by Coun Hutton that: “The amount of £40,000 for the installation of a splash pad in John Coles Park be reallocated for the provision of improvements to infrastructure, community safety and to support local business and community projects.”

I and others argued the point and justification for such an imprecise amendment. I could not reconcile that removing the opportunity to provide an innovative and exciting piece of play equipment would not reduce the rise in precept by one penny. Neither could the cynic within me suppress the thought that while some residents may just see the £40,000 as a saving, others will know that our play equipment for the older child is somewhat lacking. Not only do the young people in Chippenham still not have a skate park, they are also to be denied a splash pad.

Despite assurances from several individuals that this was not a political move, it came as no surprise when a recorded vote was requested.

In short, the decision to return the £40,000 to the ‘general’ pot will achieve no significant benefit for the residents of Chippenham.

The most practical way to support business locally is for Wiltshire Council to reinstate one hour’s free parking at the two main car parks in the town and it seems that Eric Pickles MP agrees with me.

Coun Desna Allen, Chippenham town and Wiltshire councillor.