The success of the Biddestone in the Best Kept Village Competition was noted.The prize of £50 is being given to the British Legion towards the cost of restoring the War Memorial.

Tenders have been received for work on the War Memorial and one of these is being recommended to the British Legion and will form the basis of a grant application to help with the work of restoration.

Efforts by NWDC to reduce the rat population around the pond appear to be successful. The Council agreed to purchase two litter bins designed to hold rat poison. It is disappointing, that in spite of notices at the pond, the amount of bread fed to the ducks is out of proportion to the number of ducks and much of it is still scattered on the grass.

NWDC have made proposals for the transfer of the public toilets to the Parish Council. These include a grant to repair current damage and wear and tear together with reimbursement of full running costs for an initial period followed by tapered relief for a further period (a meeting has been arranged with NWDC and Cllr Scott to discuss the details).

Parking around the Turnpike Cottage area was again discussed with agreement that the Council are not in favour of double yellow lines. The main danger in this area was thought to be traffic entering Cuttle lane from Church Road at speed.

There have been several complaints regarding the tent outside the White Horse, which have been passed on to the management.

The proposal to build a garage and playroom at 4 Slaughterford Road was supported with the recommendation that the development should be ancillary to and finished in keeping with the cottage. Development at Wickham Cottage was also supported, as were changes to the stair lift at 5 The Bartons, Slaughterford, and trimming of trees at 2 The Bartons and The Granary, Biddestone. Despite the size of the proposed development at The Old Rectory, the proposal was also supported.

Mr Ben Hamilton- Bailey will be discussing ideas for road sharing and safety at a meeting in Corsham in early September at which Biddestone and Slaughterford will be represented. The largest of the potholes on the road to Gidea Hall have now been filled, but a number still require attention.

Tim Smith
(01249 714455)