Letters to the Editor

Wiltshire Council’s dictatorial attitude to a free press

Dear Editor

Local newspapers, whether paid for or free, are part and parcel of a democratic country, but only if they can speak truth to power.

In dictatorships, the government will only print what it wants its citizens to know. That Wiltshire Council should take a dictatorial attitude to a free press is a wake-up call to anyone concerned with democracy.

I raised the issue of statutory notices concerning Bratton Road changes when in contact with Wiltshire Council; the fact that only one local newspaper was selected for advertising despite a huge decline in circulation. Democracy anyone?

Ray Bradfield,

Westbury.

Brave and a fantastic piece of journalism

Dear Editor

Can I start by saying that the front-page article in issue 830 regarding communication cut off by Wiltshire Council and the incinerator spread was brave and a fantastic piece of journalism. I thank you.

Can I urge you to continue to highlight these sorts of issues that have been going on for decades within councils and government. The rabbit holes are numerous and deep and this action by Wiltshire Council is only the tip of the iceberg.

I believe for a long time now that as people begin to awaken to what is happening, the powers that are controlling all of this are starting to panic and by extension are showing their hand by implementing more and more controlling measures. When you control perception, you can control behaviour.

Democracy is an illusion, and it is up to people to start to uncover how they are being controlled. Having an independent newspaper that is far removed from reporting the expected narrative is a powerful thing and gives people like me comfort. So, I thank you again.

It is my belief that the council will try more and more ways to silence the paper in the future. But please keep up the good fight, as there are people out there that care about the real truth.

Kind regards

Paul Fallows

Only a free press can ensure the survival of our democracy

Dear Editor

What is the matter with Wiltshire Council? It appears to be reacting in very childish way to justified criticism.

It is not unreasonable to point out that money could be saved by using a free, independent, local newspaper for public notices instead of an alternative with a declining circulation.  The White Horse News is available to every household in the town, to be read or not. Shouldn’t the council be trying to engage with as much of its electorate as possible?

I am old enough to remember when the Wiltshire Times was a paper which reported on every aspect of local life. Council meetings were reported verbatim, local people were celebrated and everybody could discover what was happening in their area. In recent years, especially following the closure of the Trowbridge office, it has become increasingly irrelevant. The WHN has largely taken over this role.   

On a broader issue it seems that Wiltshire Council is trying to avoid too much close scrutiny. Do reporters still attend meetings or are they reliant on press releases where news is controlled? This is another form of censorship. Most people do not bother to vote in local elections. This could be because they are apolitical or do not have information about how the council functions and spends their money. Only a free press can ensure the survival of our democracy.   

Liz Argent

Westbury

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Post: White Horse News, 31 Market Place, Melksham SN12 6ES

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