September 19, 1969.

MELKSHAM: Melksham Urban Council’s plan for a civic centre have been rejected by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. The Ministry gives as its reasons for refusal the economic situation and the prospect of local government reorganisation. In January the council decided to initiate a scheme for a centre which would cover activities ranging from magistrates’ courts to a youth club. It is thought the centre would have cost at least £100,000. Mr Jerry Collins, council chairman, said: “I think we half expected this. But I don’t think the council will want to drop the idea just like that.” One of the firmest supporters of the centre scheme was Mr Alan Catte. He commented: “If this town is absorbed under local government reorganisation into another authority it will be difficult for townspeople to regain any of their diminishing services. At present there is ample reason to justify the building of a civic centre which will cater for all types of needs.”

September 22, 1989.

WESTBURY: Deeper digging is planned at Westbury Cement Works quarry to produce the necessary quantities of both high and low grade chalk. The quarry will be deepened by up to 15 metres, but it will not be widened, West Wiltshire district planners hears. Planning officers also insisted that workings would not be any more exposed although parish councillors worried that this might be the case. When permission for the workings was first given in 1947 a restriction was made on any digging below the 500 foot contour. An eastwards extension was granted in 1980. Applications for digging below 500 feet and for a new clay pit to the south of Capps Lane near the almost exhausted present pit are to be determined by the county council. Blue Circle Industries only extract clay for ten weeks each year and district planning officers say the area is not one of outstanding quality.

September 24, 2004.

WARMINSTER: Visitors to the launch of the Warminster festival at the weekend were treated to the sounds of the Mediterranean. Tenor Joseph Aquilina flew in from Malta to sing at the opening ceremony on Saturday at the Athenaeum Theatre. Festival chairman Cllr Dorothea Sultana De Maria said: “It all went very, very well. More than 100 people attended the opening night. Some of the music was outstanding and the whole night went brilliantly.” There was plenty more entertainment on offer during the day including a skate competition, all-day fiesta and street fair. The festival has made a welcome return after a four-year absence.