RESIDENTS and local councillors in Chippenham and the surrounding area had the chance to find out what’s in store for the county over the coming years through an interactive meeting held and organised by Wiltshire Council.

Held in Chippenham on Monday, as well as in Trowbridge, Salisbury and Devizes throughout the week, the meetings allowed people to voice their concerns as well as hear about the future of Wiltshire.

Key points from the meeting included that Wiltshire Council will have to save £45million over the next four years, despite already saving £210million over the last seven.

There was also an indication that the council would seek to retain more of its business rates from £52.98million at the moment to £57.39million over the next four years, but would stop getting the £31million it receives from the government.

This will be considered at a cabinet meeting on October 18.

Councillor Dick Tonge, cabinet member for finance, said: “The council has to balance the budget, we have to balance our books every year.

“What the government are saying is if you accept this deal you have got certainty for the next four years, but it’s an implied threat in my mind.”

Other issues to be discussed at the meeting included asking area boards to take on more responsibility, the need to continue reducing the number of buildings in the county and reduce non-priority service spending amongst other things.