Selections news from Salisbury:

We've selected our next Parliamentary Candidate!

We are delighted to share with you the news that at today's hustings Victoria Charleston was selected as Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Salisbury.

We have a candidate that brings an energy and enthusiasm that is infectious and inspiring, her experiences of working in Parliament and for a national charity will prove invaluable in the coming months.

It's time to demand better for Trowbridge. Our town has been ignored for far too long by the ruling Conservatives.

Under them, our town centre has declined, our roads are a mess and our schools don't receive fair funding, so our children are disadvantaged.

The Conservatives have cut our Police. They have abolished our Youth Service. Local, young families are struggling to find an affordable first home.

Ian Thorn, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Wiltshire Council has challenged the three prospective Tory candidates for Wiltshire leader on five key areas.

1. Will you wholeheartedly endorse Wiltshire Council's policy on climate emergency and champion it's implementation?

2. Will you re-introduce a youth service to the county?

3. Will you expand the Shared Lives programme?

4. Will you move from a cabinet model to a committee structure?

5. Will you hold a hustings meeting for all councillors

"All five challenges focus on our long term future, our support for the most vulnerable and good governance' said Ian Thorn. "I look forward to a healthy debate."

The Liberal Democrat group on Wiltshire Council have announced their new shadow Cabinet spokespeople, following their group AGM on Saturday 8^thJune 2019.

The meeting also saw the re-election of Ian Thorn as the leader of the opposition on Wiltshire Council.

Cllr Thorn commenting on the appointment of the new spokespeople said, "With less than two years to go until the next Wiltshire Council election, it is now very important to challenge the Conservative administration at every opportunity and these appointments will play a crucial part in doing so."

Corsham has had a market town charter since 1285 but the few stalls that occupy a corner of the Newlands Road Car Park every Tuesday hardly constitute a proper market. Wiltshire's stretched council services make it unlikely that they can change things.

Local Liberal Democrat and Town Councillor, Neville Farmer believes successful markets boost town centres and community spirit. He is working with other Councillors to explore starting a new market and he's interested to hear what you want.

The long-stay car park is underused, yet residents of the flats and terraced houses in the High Street and surrounding area, are being charged £200 per year, rising to £360, to use this car park. They can't afford it! So they park on the neighbouring streets adding to congestion and frustration.

There is one simple solution: give High St residents affordable permits to park in the empty car parks thereby allowing residents in neighbouring streets to have more opportunity to park outside their own houses!

We're delighted that you elected Sarah Gibson to become your new town councillor.

The results were as follows:

Sarah Gibson (Lib Dem): 725


Conservative: 401


Ideal Bradford: 378


Independent: 101

Being part of decision making at town council level will help Sarah in her on-going work for the town. She continues as a Wiltshire Councillor too and looks forward to making further progress on the issues that matter in Bradford.

"I retired last summer. I now have the time to dedicate myself to working for residents.

My husband Graham and I have two grown up children and two grand children. We love spending time with them.

Previously I spent 23 years as a Trowbridge Primary School Manager. As a parent and grandparent, and having worked in education, I care passionately about families and children. All our children have the right to a first class education and to grow up in a safe and happy environment.

Andrew Bryant, local FOCUS community newsletter editor and Trowbridge's youngest ever Mayor is standing to be our next Councillor.

"I am delighted to be selected to stand for Drynham," said Andrew.

"Trowbridge and local residents have been let down continuously by the Conservatives. There are urgent priorities for action.

Hundreds of local residents have sent back Andrew Bryant's residents survey.

"I've had a greatresponse. Most residents share my concern and want action."

Sort out the Town Centre

We need real action to sort out Trowbridge Town Centre and the Bowyers site.

I am determined that we get the action we need because Trowbridge demands better.