Westbury backs experience

WESTBURY has backed 'experience' in the Wiltshire Council elections, re-electing three of its four councillors.

Of the four Wiltshire Council seats in Westbury up for grabs, Liberal Democrats Carole King and Gordon King, both retained their seats, whilst the Conservative Party's Suzanne Wickham was also re-elected. New to the line-up is Independent, Matthew Dean, who won his seat in the Westbury West division with a convincing majority.

All four councillors have spoken about their commitment to fight for Westbury's voice to be heard at County Hall and have said they will oppose the proposed Westbury incinerator - which is due for a decision at Wiltshire Council in the near future.

Overall, the Conservatives have retained control of Wiltshire Council, with 61 seats (down one); the Liberal Democrats have 27 seats (up six); Independent councillors hold 7 seats (down 4); and Labour has 3 seats (no change).

There were no elections for Westbury Town Council as there were not have enough candidates to fill its 15 seats - only 12 people put themselves forward.

The town council will now be looking to co-opt three vacancies - one in the Westbury West Ward and two in the Westbury North Ward.

The successful Wiltshire Council candidates spoke to White Horse News after their successes.

Cllr Carole King said, "I wish to thank the residents of Westbury North for re-electing me as their Wiltshire Councillor. With your input, I aim to improve our town and I thank you for your suggestions and ideas when I met you on the doorstep. You have clearly missed contact and conversation!

"Ongoing projects such as the shared space scheme for Frogmore Lane and decisions about the incinerator and bypass will continue.

"The Town Vision and Neighbourhood Plan will prove beneficial for us all, so I urge you to read and comment on these proposals."

Cllr Gordon King said, "I am delighted to have been re-elected as the Wiltshire Councillor for the Westbury East ward and so grateful for the trust and support so many have shown in me.

"The work begins now; the agenda is full - stopping the incinerator, securing a sensible bypass, delivering the Westbury Town Vision, the Bitham Brook Project, and my initiative to connect and train elderly residents to the internet, tackling loneliness and isolation.

"I have always been and promise to continue to be a councillor for everyone and look forward to meeting and talking to you whenever I am out and about." ...

Westbury councillors ready to fight for the town | White Horse News