Westbury U3A – challenges for the town council

A large audience attended the meeting of Westbury and District U3A to hear the Mayor of Westbury, cllr Mike Sutton, guest speaker, on 8th October. 

His informative and interesting talk covered a wide range, including the evolution of the council through various stages of local governmental reorganisations and the structure and composition of the present-day town council.

The town benefits from the council’s funding of the town caretaker and services such as two hours free parking, Christmas lights and flower displays. There are many services formerly provided by the unitary council which they no longer maintain and which the town council is providing at significant cost. Amongst these are the maintenance of the two public toilet facilities, the upkeep of children’s play areas and grass cutting in the future.

A topic of particular interest was the planning consents for the many new housing developments being built around Westbury and the quota set for provision of new homes. The Mayor explained that Westbury council acts only in a consultative role on new building and does not have the final say.  The Neighbourhood Plan, being developed by the town council, will be a means of determining  that future housing development is suitable for the town and meets the needs of our area. 

The thorny problem of the Highways Agency’s  decision  not to go forward with a bypass for Westbury was raised. The effect on air quality due to traffic, particularly on Haynes Road, is a big issue for the community. News that Melksham is to have a second bypass added to a sense that Westbury is being overlooked as a town.

Members recognised the various points that the Mayor raised and his concerns that decisions made externally have so heavily impacted on the town. Questions from the floor concluded a thought-provoking meeting.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 12th November at 2.00pm in the United Reformed Church Hall,  Westbury.  James Taylor will be the speaker talking about ‘Vintage Postcards.’ New and prospective members will be very welcome.