Another great team effort

Hello,

It’s hard to believe we’re talking about snow again! We thought we’d seen the last of the extreme weather two weeks ago, but last weekend the mini beast from the east returned and caused disruption across the county, albeit a little less than the last snowfall.

Our emergency planning team was in touch with the MET Office and we were able to put in place a number of measures to ensure that services could be maintained and the roads could be accessed.

Thanks to all those involved in managing the response to the weather; in particular our highways team who spread over 1,000 tonnes of salt on primary and secondary routes throughout the county. However, please heed the advice and take care when driving as some roads are untreated and the low temperatures will mean ice patches and black ice.

You may be aware that at last week’s Salisbury Area Board an update on the ongoing situation in the city and the recovery plan that is being put in place, was delivered by us and our partners. The recovery plan involves many local and national partner agencies working together to help the city over the next few months. While the investigation continues, the recovery group – led by us - is focused on what it can do to support the community and local businesses; particularly those directly affected by the incident.

We have introduced free park and ride at all the city’s five sites free until Easter Monday when the impact will be reviewed. The aim is to encourage visitors and shoppers to the city.

Next week’s Cabinet meeting will be held in Salisbury City Hall and a further update on the recovery plan will be an additional item on the agenda. It’s vital that the local community is kept informed and has the opportunity to raise questions and matters of concern. Cabinet members will also talk to local businesses, visit Bourne Hill and other locations in the city following the meeting.

A large number of individuals and teams across the council are working with partners on the recovery plan and our thanks go to everyone involved – it is a big and challenging programme and will take some time to help the city to recover. It is extremely important that we do everything we can to support Salisbury.

Whilst we recognise the spotlight is on Salisbury and the scale of the work required, we also have to manage business as usual in the council.

Last week the Care Quality Commission visited as part of their review of the health and social care system. The team spoke to a large number of staff and partners and we will wait to see what their feedback is so that we can take whatever action is necessary to ensure people in Wiltshire receive the best possible service. Thanks to everyone who was involved.

We’re really pleased to say that last week’s Business and Sports Annual Gala Dinner was the most successful one we’ve ever had with more than £55,000 raised by local businesses for future Olympians and Paralympians. It’s the fifth time we’ve held the event and it continues to go from strength to strength. Grants were awarded to ten elite athletes on the night, and we know that this money makes a real difference to the recipients in helping them to fulfil their potential.

Finally, good luck to the team behind our community hub programme who will be visiting London to find out if we have won in the Best Service Delivery category at the Local Government Chronicle Awards. Having picked up the silver award at the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards for this programme a couple of weeks ago, we’re hoping we can go one better this time around!

Alistair, Carlton and Terence