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Wonderful evening

WOW! What a wonderful evening of Christmas music. The first Schools’ Carol Concert at St John’s Church, Devizes on Friday was a storming success. The church looked magnificent with the Christmas trees newly decorated and lit. But the best part was the enthusiasm of all the participating children.

Our thanks must go to the Deputy Mayor of Devizes, Cllr Andy Johnson, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, David Scott, and of course the choirs and staff of Bishops Cannings School, Dauntsey Aided Primary School, Devizes School Harmony Choir and Wansdyke School.

We sincerely hope that this becomes an annual event.

Soraya Pegden, Alice Boyd, Chris Totney, Director of Music, St John’s Church

Long Street, Devizes

Why the no shows

YOU reported that the Conservative candidate, Michelle Donelan, did not attend the Chippenham election hustings held at the Neeld Hall. In the North Wiltshire constituency the Conservative candidate, James Gray did not attend election hustings at Malmesbury Abbey or at the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy. They sent their apologies: they had prior engagements.

I would have thought an MP would clear his or her diary for the duration of an election campaign. Of course there may be one or two evenings during these weeks when for a very good reason the candidate cannot be available. But surely the local electorate would normally come first? Mr Gray, I understand, was offered six alternative dates for the RWB Academy hustings on the Climate Emergency. He was unable to make any of these dates.

Of course Boris Johnson not turning up for the Channel 4 Leaders’ Debate on the Climate Emergency set a poor example.

During this election campaign many Conservative candidates seem to have wanted to avoid scrutiny. That in itself is a worry but to my mind it also shows a level of contempt towards the voters. In a healthier democracy candidates would not want to hide themselves or their views from the electorate.

Are they bothered they might get asked a tricky question or two? They should have nothing to fear if their own views are rationally and honestly held. Hustings give them an opportunity to explain and defend what they believe in and stand for. Is this not part of their democratic duty having put themselves forward as Parliamentary candidates?

John Boaler, Labour Party, Calne Town Cllr, Woodland Park, Calne

Not an endorsement

IT HAS been noted by some Devizes’ residents that as Mayor, my picture has been used in a General Election candidate’s election literature.

I would like to clarify firstly, that as Mayor, I see one of my roles is to ensure that those in Central Government fully understand the important issues that affect our town, and therefore I will make every effort to highlight these matters to all our parliamentary candidates whenever possible.

Secondly, however, I cannot emphasise enough that it is not the role of the Mayor to endorse any of the candidates, as that remains the responsibility of each elector to ensure that a candidate is chosen who will best represent the needs of Devizes.

Cllr Judy Rose, Mayor of Devizes 2019-20, Devizes Guardians

Waste bin advice

FOLLOWING the Gazette’s story about a group of Malmesbury residents told to take down the bin they put up to collect dog waste: while we appreciate the Helping the Community of Malmesbury volunteer group’s community spirit and desire to keep their local area clean and tidy, it is against the law to collect and dispose of other’s waste in this way. Anyone who collects or transports waste must hold a waste carriers license.

As this newly developed land is currently unadopted we are unable to provide waste services and it is the responsibility of the developer to ensure the area is kept clean and tidy.

Once the new estate has been adopted we will work with the local community and parish council regarding provision of public waste services across the estate.

We advise anyone with concerns around waste provision in this area to contact their local parish council.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Conservative Leader of Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Trowbridge

Why EU madness

I RECENTLY read an excellent, detailed article by Mike Sagar-Fenton, a West Country historian, giving most of the very many reasons why we should not leave the EU.

So the question remains,why on earth are we continuing with this madness? Much of the answer lies in the following:

1. Dominic Cummins masterminded the deviousness in the referendum that convinced just enough people to swing the vote. He’s now followed this tactic with clever soundbites like Let’s Get Brexit done (whatever that means) and the will of the people. Also clever is keeping Messrs Rees Mogg and extreme right wing colleagues out of the media limelight for a few weeks until after the election. Surely he’s in line for a knighthood if he succeeds again.

2. We have a PM who belatedly in 2016 decided to back leave, a clear move designed solely to help fulfill his lifelong ambition of getting into No 10. He cares not about the cost to our country just about staying in No 10.

3. The Conservative Party has forced out most of its MPs with a conscience and replaced them with Yes Men & Women.

4. Jeremy Corbyn is nearly as bad. A leaver at heart leading a party in which the majority of his members back remain. How can he publicly stand on the fence in the most crucial issue for generations.

If you add to both major parties economic policies that are clearly not credible, there is only one main party with credible economic policies and a clear commitment to remain in Europe, the Liberal Democrats.

No prizes as to where my vote will go.

Gary Hunt, Chippenham

Beware of flooding

AS this autumn has seen higher than average rainfall throughout England, and there is a likelihood that this winter will be warmer and wetter than normal, it is important that everyone in Wiltshire is prepared for a potentially increased risk of flooding.

Groundwater flooding can be an issue in Wiltshire because of the chalk geology of the area, with the Salisbury Plain and Cranbourne Chase areas particularly at risk.

Groundwater levels in parts of Wiltshire are currently higher than average for this time of year, and although there is not expected to be an immediate risk of flooding, it is important that people are prepared.

Unlike river flooding, groundwater flooding does not usually pose a risk to life, but it can cause significant damage to property, as it takes a long time to clear and it can make access to properties difficult for a prolonged period.

It is difficult to predict when and where groundwater flooding will occur. Wiltshire Council works closely with the Environment Agency, and town and parish councils through its network of flood wardens to ensure communities are as resilient as possible when dealing with potential flooding, and to help them prepare effectively.

While it is not anticipated that there is an immediate risk of river or groundwater flooding in Wiltshire, further prolonged periods of heavy rainfall may see the Environment Agency issue flood alerts across the county.

It is therefore important that people are prepared, so they know what to do in the event of a flood, and that they are signed up for Environment Agency flood alerts. Anyone in a river or groundwater flood risk area should be wary of an increased risk of flooding in Wiltshire this winter.

We have been working closely with our parish councils and volunteer flood wardens to ensure they are as ready as they can be. We recently held training sessions with our volunteer flood wardens in parishes throughout the county, and they are well prepared and supplied with emergency equipment such as sandbags, but we must not be complacent to the risk of flooding.

In the Salisbury area, which could be at risk from river flooding in the event of increased rain, sleet or snow, the Environment Agency has produced new flood maps that show greater detail about how the city reacts to potential river flooding. To see these new maps, and how they may affect properties in the Salisbury area, people should contact the Environment Agency.

In October, several partner agencies – including Wiltshire Council, the Environment Agency, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the military – took part in a successful exercise to test the speed and efficiency of the army in setting up temporary flood barriers to reduce flood risk to properties in Salisbury.

We have planned and are well prepared for any potential flooding in Salisbury this winter.

The city’s flood plan is up-to-date and available on the Salisbury City Council website, and volunteer flood wardens in the city have received advice and guidance from the Environment Agency to ensure readiness in case of any flooding.

The exercise to test the joint agency response to flooding in the city was successful and helped to prepare us all for the potential risk and ensure our working relationships with partners are strong and collaborative.

Work is also under way on a scheme to reduce the flood risk to parts of the city centre alongside the regeneration of the Maltings and Central Car Park area.

Flood wardens are active in many parishes throughout Wiltshire. They are responsible for their parish’s flood plan, and have access to flood prevention equipment such as sandbags and gel-sack alternatives. They can also contact local people in the event of a flood.

To find your parish’s flood plan, search your parish council’s website; to sign up for general and river flood alerts, go to www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings; to sign up for the Wiltshire groundwater flood warning service, go to www.gov.uk/government/news/new-groundwater-flood-warning-service-for-dorset-and-wiltshire.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Conservative Cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, Wiltshire Council

Cllr Derek Brown, Conservative Chairman of the Salisbury flood working group, Salisbury City Council

Stop the drinking

IT WASN’T that long ago that the staggering fact emerged that Trowbridge, our county town, was the capital of Wiltshire’s knife crime. Now we have another incident.

I have a few issues with this case, namely that the churchyard of St James’ has been an open drinking den for years now. The early hours of the morning that this was carried out must surely raise alarm bells, so taking both into account I was surprised to hear that ‘the victim was able to stagger to our police station where officers were able to treat him’.

Could they be better employed stopping the desecration of our churchyards by these drinking gangs? A covert camera would reveal all required information and being a graveyard I can’t see anyone raising the privacy issue.

It really is time to get a grip. Drinking is heavily related to all types of crime and you won’t stop drinking from a police station. We all know the areas concerned, but can only imagine why our otherwise fantastic police do little about it.

Mark Griffiths, Pavely Gardens, Trowbridge