We learnt in the Salisbury Journal on April 23 that Wiltshire Council has spent £3.9m of taxpayers’ money on a housing project in Tisbury that has not progressed as expected.
At a time when funding is under pressure across many essential services, it is concerning that the council has taken on the role of developer. It has also been reported that the council carries significant overall debt.
This raises important questions about oversight and decision-making. Councillors, including council leader Richard Clewer and cabinet member Ian Thorne, may wish to clarify how this situation has arisen and what steps will be taken next.
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It has also been reported that Stone Circle, the council’s development company, has substantial debts. Greater transparency around its financial position and relationship with the council would be welcome.
A simpler approach might have been to sell the site to an established developer, with clear expectations for the type of housing required.
Many residents will feel this represents a worrying use of public money. It is important that the public is kept informed about what happens next, and how the situation will be resolved.
Tisbury still needs new homes, and I hope a workable solution can be found.
Jayne Hurst
Address supplied
Wiltshire Council chose not to comment when contacted regarding the Stone Circle crisis. The council's latest update on the Stone Circle is available here: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/17126/Wiltshire-Council-confirms-next-step-to-strengthen-Stone-Circle-Housing
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