Andrew Robinson gives his predictions for the BA12 area as he looks ahead to 2022 for Warminster and surrounds, considering symbols of what’s to come.
Add – The addition of new homes around the Warminster area will continue to be a hot topic in 2022. A planning application has been submitted for the Bore Hill Farm site on the edge of the town and the West Warminster Urban Extension’s impact on existing infrastructure is taxing the minds of local councillors and residents. Further applications are bound to be made, leading to opportunities for scrutiny from local residents’ groups as well as Wiltshire Council’s planning officers.
Take Away – It’s been ten years now since scaffolding was erected around 3 High Street in Warminster. After many false starts, local residents will be crossing their fingers that the latest plans bring improvement to the site. Demolition work is expected to begin imminently, followed by construction work to replace the dilapidated structure.
Multiply – The role of the most local councils in public services will only increase this year. Expect Wiltshire Council to want more services to be devolved down to Warminster Town Council and our local parishes. Watch out for the early part of the year, when councils will set their budgets. Over the last few months on WCR’s Community Chest, I’ve asked the Mayor of Warminster Stephen Jeffries and some of his fellow councillors if they can envisage Council tax ever going down. Their answer, with a wry smile at my cheeky question, is the same. Wouldn’t that be lovely but so unlikely. With the cost of living multiplying, so too do Council expenses and therefore another rise seems inevitable.
Divide – Climate change looks set to continue to divide Warminster Town Council. It is unclear where the council moves to next, after it couldn’t agree a mandate on how to implement its climate strategy. The Climate Change Working Group resigned enmasse at the end of 2021 when the full council refused to support the creation of a Climate Change Officer post.
Equals – The regeneration of Warminster and its equality with neighbouring towns will likely return to the agenda as the town considers its Covid-19 recovery. Some residents are still smarting for Warminster losing out in the Wiltshire Council campus project when the local government budget squeeze put an end to it. While Warminster didn’t get the campus site, unlike towns such as Corsham and Melksham, it was promised a regeneration project. 2022 could see news of how the regeneration project will be structured.
Exclamation Mark – Warminster should have the opportunity to celebrate this year, should Covid-19 permit. 6th February 2022 marks HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee but the country will mark it with a special Bank Holiday Weekend at the start of June. Behind the scenes planning may well have begun as to how the local area intends to celebrate The Queen’s 70 year reign.
Question Mark – Covid-19 will continue to bring uncertainty for some businesses and organisations. Town events such as Warminster Carnival will soon need to make decisions about whether to proceed this year. Local business will push the ‘shop local’ message to try to ensure Warminster’s Town centre does not lose anymore shops and attracts new ones to its empty premises.
Comma – Expect an even greater emphasis on the work of volunteers this year. More services and activities that would historically be expected to come under public services will require the goodwill of volunteers to operate. With the rise of groups such as Warminster Action Group, the number of volunteers in the BA12 area can be expected to increase.
Full Stop – Road traffic is an unending concern for many residents in Warminster and the surrounding villages. Expect the councils to receive more requests for double yellow lines this calendar year and increasing demands for roads such as Imber Road to be resurfaced.
Degrees – Inevitably rain will fall in 2022 and that means that parts of Warminster will be on edge due to the risk of flooding. Planning issues and the age of Warminster’s drainage network will raise their heads again. Expect demands for action to prevent more properties and businesses suffering.
The BA12 Agenda 