Chippenham Town Council

We are pleased to announce that the Town Council’s Human Resources Committee has agreed a new senior structure at its meeting on 7 November 2024, the new structure became live on 1 December 2024. Chief Executive, Mark Smith, will focus on overall leadership of the council’s staff, being the senior adviser to Council, working closely with the Leader of the Council; and working collaboratively with partners at a national, regional, and local level. Matt Kirby, Deputy Chief Executive, has overall responsibility for all of the council’s customer-facing services and external venues such as Stanley Park Sports Ground, Chippenham Museum, and the Neeld. Gillian Ballinger is now the Head of Finance & Responsible Financial Officer. Helen Bywater is now Head Corporate Services & Improvement, and Heather Rae is now Head of Democratic Services & Governance. Mark Smith said; "I’m really excited at the prospect of working closely with a team of hugely talented and dedicated officers in a strengthened and refreshed Corporate Management Team." Cllr. Jenny Budgell, Chair of the Human Resources Committee said; “This new senior structure is the right thing for the council going forward and will bring greater breadth and depth to the team; I’m delighted that the Human Resources were unanimous in their support for the new structure. I would like to congratulate those officers who have taken on new roles." bit.ly/__CMT

We are delighted that Chippenham Town Council has been nominated as a finalist for National Association of Local Council’s Star Council 2024 Awards in the Climate Response of the Year category. The Star Council Awards are a celebration of innovation and commitment, which highlights the transformative contributions of councils, councillors and council staff to their communities, reflecting the vibrant spirit, commitment, and creativity characterising parish and town councils nationwide. The winners will be announced at the NALC Parliamentary Reception on 25 February 2025, hosted at the House of Lords. bit.ly/_Finalist

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives. Chief Executive, Mark Smith and Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Lavery @9_regiment_rlc, signed the Covenant on Remembrance Sunday, affirming the Town Council's commitment to continue working in partnership with our local Armed Forces community. bit.ly/_AFC

After the devastating flooding that took place during Storm Bert earlier this week, it was wonderful to host our annual Christmas Lights Switch On last Saturday. The Little Photo Company Ltd. has produced a great video that beautifully captures the festive fun of the event. Thanks to all our market traders, performers, workshop facilitators, volunteers, My Skills for Life Ltd paramedics, WILTSHIRE OUTDOOR LEARNING TEAM C.I.C., our sponsors Awdry Law, Wiltshire Police, Staunch Security and Serenity Audio for helping this event happen. Also thanks to everyone who attended: it was lovely to see the town so full of festive cheer after a difficult week for the community.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Sponsorship helps the Town Council continue to deliver a wide range of services and events, supporting and enhancing the local community. We enjoy working with local sponsors looking to develop their corporate responsibility, who share our objectives, and who value community engagement. Please take a look at the opportunities and contact us for more information; sponsorship@chippenham.gov.uk. bit.ly/sponsorCTC

Yesterday we worked with the Environment Agency to host a meeting in Chippenham, as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Water and Flooding) Emma Hardy was visiting the town to assess the flood damage. The MP for Chippenham, Sarah Gibson was in attendance with the Leader of the Town Council, representatives from Wiltshire Council, and other stakeholders. We completed a walking tour of the flood-damaged areas in the town and the Minister and MP spoke with many of the local business owners to gain an insight into their experience with the flooding. Much of the flood water has now receded, and the clean-up continues for local residents and business owners. Areas such as Monkton Park which is still submerged in places, will take many weeks to recover.

Full Council will meet at 7pm in the Town Hall tonight. The agenda is on our website: bit.ly/agendas_ You can attend the meeting or watch on YouTube: bit.ly/CTCYouTube_

Full Council will meet at 7pm in the Town Hall on Wednesday. The agenda is on our website: bit.ly/agendas_ You can attend the meeting or watch on YouTube: bit.ly/CTCYouTube_

Are you looking for a venue for an upcoming event? We have a range of spaces available for hire, suitable for anything from meetings of 5 to outdoor events aimed at thousands! For more information, click here bit.ly/_venuehire-fb

Today we raised the Union Flag at the Town Hall in honour of HM The King's Birthday. We wish him many happy returns.