Warminster Town Council’s Annual Report for 2023-2024 is now available for the public to read. The report can be downloaded from the town council’s website: https://bit.ly/4ctzw3y or paper copies can be obtained from the Civic Centre.
The Annual Report looks back over the last 12 months of activity by the town council. The Annual Report includes: a check list of the town council’s responsibilities, reports from the various committees, information about the Civic Centre and events, a financial report, volunteering opportunities and contact details for town councillors.
The Mayor of Warminster, Cllr Phil Keeble has written an introduction to the report, this is set out below.
“I have devoted my year as Mayor of Warminster to council business and events but also to meeting with residents and businesses to address their concerns. Every occasion has been worthwhile, and I can say with pride that the town council constantly works hard to provide a good service to the town and is currently working on several major projects for its residents.
“The tennis courts in the Lake Pleasure Grounds have been upgraded through a joint project with the Lawn Tennis Association. The newly refurbished tennis courts and MUGA are now being well used and enjoyed. Our Town Centre CCTV has also been upgraded to a digital system. Work will begin in the Spring to replace the Under 5s multiplay area with a similar but modern piece of equipment.
“I am delighted that the Lake Pleasure Grounds have once again been awarded Green Flag Status. This is testament to the council team’s ongoing work and commitment to this wonderful asset for the Warminster community, and the continued involvement of volunteers from the local community. Our volunteers are invaluable, but we would always welcome more!
“The town council recently adopted its Climate Strategy Action Plan for 2024 – 2029, which follows on from its Climate Change Strategy and the Warminster Pledge. The plan sets out a series of projects and the tasks/ steps that need to be carried out to reach the goals. The council aims to lead by example and engage with partners and the community to inspire action and provide information. The council also adopted its Community Resilience Plan in November 2023. The purpose of the plan is to provide a local coordinated response supporting statutory authorities and the emergency services in a variety of emergency situations, hopefully reducing the impact to peoples’ lives. In December, the council adopted its Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2029, setting out the direction of travel for the council over the next five years. Finally, the renewal and upgrading of the Neighbourhood Plan continues. The final document will help pave the way for the development of Warminster in many ways, whether planning issues, heritage, commerce, green spaces and more.
“In September 2023, the council announced the passing of Cllr Rob Fryer. Rob was first elected to the council in 2007, representing Warminster Broadway, and was twice elected Mayor of the town. A few months later, the council announced the passing of Cllr John Syme, who also represented Warminster Broadway. John had been re-elected to the council in 2021 and represented his ward enthusiastically. We were pleased to welcome Russell Hawker and James Kirkwood as the new councillors for Broadway ward.
“Events in the town and the Lake Pleasure Grounds are highlights of the council year. These include Spring in the Park, the Lions Book Festival, the wonderful Carnival procession, Remembrance Day, Shop Window Competitions, and Pumpkins in the Park. Record numbers of people attended the Christmas Lights Switch On Event and newly introduced markets organised in conjunction with the Warminster Business Network with stalls throughout the town centre, and planning has already begun for further seasonal markets throughout the year and for Christmas 2024 to make it even bigger and even better! We are also looking forward to the centenary celebrations for the Lake Pleasure Grounds on 26th July 2024, with an Elton John tribute act, a Beatles tribute act, and an airborne pyrotechnic display.
“The finances of the town council remain in good shape; the council increased our portion of Wiltshire’s council tax by 1.73% for 2024/2025, the equivalent of £3.68 for a Band D property per annum. This below inflation increase will allow the council to maintain and improve the services which it provides for its residents, whilst recognising the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on our residents. We recognise there will always be progress to be made and opportunities to be taken but I must praise and thank my fellow councillors, the very welcome volunteers, our managers, and staff for what we have achieved thus far.”
The Mayor of Warminster, Cllr Phil Keeble
- For more information contact Tom Dommett, Town Clerk, Warminster Town Council, Tel: 01985 214847 or email: admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk
Last modified: 22 March 2024
