At long last, Trowbridge is set to expand its boundaries following the Community Governance Review and consideration by Wiltshire Council on July 12, 2016.

Trowbridge Town Council (TTC) did not have it all its way though, as White Horse Business Park and the West Ashton Urban Extension will remain as they are, which is a pity, as they could have given Trowbridge the extra boost it needs.

Fortunately this is not the end of the road and TTC will try again I’m sure, when the time is right. What I found frustrating, though, is that a process that is supposed to be evidence-based and free from political bias turns out to be just the opposite, with submissions omitted, or completely ignored, personal egos getting in the way of common good and also project fear (yes even at our local level) was employed, accusing TTC of a ‘land grab’ and of attempting to destroy local communities and identities, riding roughshod over planning legislation etc...

There was even a suggestion by one esteemed councillor that residents would not be able to access facilities on the other side of the road should the boundary line be expanded. The absurdity of the suggestion was at best comical and at worst embarrassing.

On the other end of the spectrum there were some councillors who are so blinded by their ego, defending their patch as if it was a medieval Princedom, without a care or regard to the big picture, ie, Trowbridge being the town that serves and continues to serve all surrounding estates, and that it is in the best interests of such estates to have a town that is well resourced and can deliver effective and attractive services. A town that we can all show off to visitors, rather than, as some have tried to convey, one that will somehow ruin their social status should they – heaven forbid – be forced to be associated with it.

Yes, we all know that Trowbridge is a county town that to date has not acted like one.

However, with the boundary review, maybe – just maybe – it will have the extra income that will give TTC some additional options. And instead of the baseless accusations perpetrated by a minority of councillors, let’s all spread some goodwill and encourage TTC to turn Trowbridge into a COUNTY TOWN that we can all be proud of. Regardless of where we live in Wiltshire. After all, Trowbridge is your town too.

Sharl Adabashi, Friends of Trowbridge Park Chairman