Welcome to my website
Welcome to my website! It would be great if you could register with the site so that I can keep you up to date with any local news - simply fill in the boxes on the right
Please share your views - Roundway Residents Survey
I would be delighted if you would share you views by completing my Roundway Residents survey Click here to take the survey
New Devizes and Roundway Conservative Branch
I have just been made Chairman of the new Devizes and Roundway Conservative Branch. We're new, fresh thinking Branch with people from all walks of life, with a love a Devizes and the aim to keep it great - and have fun! Please go to our new website to see our aims and ambitions and take our new survey - www.devizestownconservatives.com
Devizes Market Place
I have started work with Wiltshire Council to see if Devizes Town Council might take ownership of the Market Place. This would mean the Town Council could take responsibility for the market, events and parking. Do you think it would be a good idea? Email at laura.mayes@wiltshire.gov.uk to give me your views.
Bath Half for Breast Cancer Research
My husband James and I ran the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. I was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago so it is a cause close to my heart. If you would like to sponsor us we have set up a page - www.justgiving.com/Laura-Mayes
BMX Facility - Residents' Meeting
We organised a meeting to discuss the proposed BMX site at Windsor Drive on Monday, 12th March. It is clear that there is a real problem with anti-social behaviour in the area which must be addressed before we consider any further facilities at the site. I will keep everyone updated on progress.
Devizes X-ray re-opened
I am pleased to say that the x-ray facility in Devizes is finally up and running. It has taken the RUH over four months to mend the equipment and many patients have had to take the long journey to Bath for routine appointments. This is totally unacceptable.
New Youth Centre in Wilton
Whilst Somerset Council closes all its Youth Centres and gets rid of its Youth Workers, Wiltshire Council is investing in our young people. I went to the opening of a brand new Youth Centre in Wilton and it was great to see how much the children see it as a safe place to go where they will have fun, meet their friends, learn useful skills, and, "Stay out of trouble" as one of them said!
Young People Mental Health Conference
I was staggered to see over sixty young people participate in a conference about mental health issues for teenagers. It was half term and yet they were happy to give up their free time and talk about this important issue. They were all intelligent and eloquent and I think we all learnt about the issues facing our young people.
Staff Awards 2012
Wiltshire Council ran a very successful Staff Awards evening this week. It was great to be part of such an exciting event and to acknowledge and reward all the fantastic work our staff do. The sponsors were very generous and the evening was great fun.
We can help you celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Devizes Area Board will be supporting local communities who want to get together to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubiliee in June 2012. At the last Area Board meeting it was agreed that £6,000 would be set aside to support street parties and other celebrations in the Devizes area. We'd love to see applications from parish councils, neighbourhood groups, residents associations or just a group who live in a few neighbouring streets - you don't have to be a registered organisation. To apply got to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/devizesareaboard or contact richard.rogers@wiltshire.gov.uk or 01225 718626.
Wiltshire Core Strategy 2026
The new Core Strategy was approved at Cabinet this week and will go to Full Council in February. I am very pleased with the strategy for the Devizes area and said the following at the Cabinet meeting, "I welcome the Strategic Planners' acknowledgement that the rate of development in Devizes should slow down compared to recent years. I am pleased that no large strategic housing sites have been identified as we do not need them. Our new housing target for Devizes Town is 405 houses between now and 2026. This means less than 30 houses a year. But it is important to remember that we still have issues with congestion, air quality and the threat to our green spaces. The Devizes Area Board is developing a traffic strategy for the area and will work with communities to create robust Neighbourhood Plans to ensure we protect our green spaces."
St Peter's School name new gritter!
I went along to St Peter's School today as they had won a competition to name one of Wiltshire Council's new gritters. They called it Ice Queen! The children were so enthusiastic and had a great time climbing in and out of the lorry. The drivers were disappointed that the winter has been so mild!
New Year, New Job
I have just been given a new role at the Council and am now Portfolio Holder for Children's Services. I am working with the Cabinet Member on the following areas: Schools and Education, Vulnerable children (including children in Care), Fostering, Adoption and Youth Services. It is a big brief but I am really looking forward to it.
Collecting for Cancer Research
Devizes Market was buzzing this morning. It was great to be there and collecting for Cancer Research - thank to everyone for their generosity.
Skateboard Park for Devizes - some progress!
I am pleased to say that Devizes Town Council agreed for Green Lane to be included as a possible site for a skateboard park. There were lots of young people there and betweeen us we made a good case for why the town needs this amenity. We are now down to two sites - Green Lane and Station Road Car Park. We will be consulting the community to agree the best location. If you would like to support our cause then please click on this link to sign a petition http://www.sparksite.co.uk/entries/devizes_skate_petition
Bromham Pudding Run
I ran the Bromham Pudding 10K Race to raise money for St Nicholas School. I love these events where all the community pull together - particularly all the children who helped with the bags. The Christmas pudding at the end was a great idea!
Rememberance Service in Devizes
I was honoured to be part of the Mayoral Procession for the Rememberance Service on Sunday. The church service was very moving, and I was very pleased to see so many young people involved in remembering our brave soldiers.
New charity launches in Roundway
I was very pleased to attend the recent launch of a new charity called Bag4Sport. The charity helps sports clubs to raise funds by getting them to collect clothes that are re-cycled for money. Olympic Gold Medal winner Tessa Sanderson was a guest of honour. Their website address is www.bag4sport.co.uk for further information.
Meeting with Claire Perry MP to discuss National Planning Framework
I had a constructive meeting with Claire Perry MP and discussed my concerns about the new National Planning Framework. She is meeting Greg Clarke MP this week and agreed to ask the following questions: When will the NPPF come into action? What transitional measures are in place whilst the new guidance is in development? Will current Local Plans continue to be valid until new Core Strategy is agreed? How can we ensure new developers don't take advantage of the possible planning hiatus?
What protections are available to save special areas from development? How can we address the issue of developers having deep pockets to fight appeals?
I will let you know how she gets on and will feedback the responses.
Development at Coate Road
Thank you to everyone who forwarded me their comments about the Coate Road development. The feedback was very consistent. As soon as the developer submits a formal planning application I will ensure it is brought to the Planning Committee for decision. This will give the community an opportunity to give their views. If you would like to discuss this further then please contact me at laura.mayes@wiltshire.gov.uk
Recyling in Wiltshire
I hope you have now received your blue topped bin for the recyling of plastic and cardboard. This was one of my election promises and I am pleased to able to deliver on this. The photo below shows my dog taking recycling rather too seriously!
Proposed Housing on land behind Roundway Park
The Merchant Venturers are proposing that land behind Roundway Park that runs along Folly Road is suitable for 400 houses. If you are interested in signing a petition to oppose this then please contact me at laura.mayes@wiltshire.gov.uk or call me on 01380 739 177.
Latest projects achieved in Roundway
I have managed to get a few small tasks completed in the last few months. Roundway Parish Council have been brilliant at working with Wiltshire Council to get some projects completed including new bins and new noticeboards. I have also managed to get a playground adopted and some yellow lines put into Horton Industrial Estate to improve safety.
Council News
How is Wiltshire Council handling these difficult times? See Local News for details.