As the portfolio holder for licensing and public protection at Wiltshire Council, I feel I must respond to some of the comments in last week’s letters page. 

At a recent full council meeting members supported the adoption of the new licensing statement, which highlighted amongst other things  the licensed trade’s continued proactive engagement with local councils and the local community, as well as their awareness of new and existing initiatives, such as the street pastors and Purple Flag.

I am pleased to say we have a dedicated and committed team of officers in both licensing and public protection who are engaging on a daily basis with both local communities and a variety of businesses to ensure we have a safe and well-managed night-time economy in Wiltshire.

When issues arise, we have an effective licensing committee and robust review policy to ensure these matters can be dealt with. 

It is by working together with a variety of partners within the local community and supporting new schemes that we will see a continued reduction in concerns raised by local residents.

Coun Peter J Hutton,
Wiltshire councillor.