Duncan Hames for Chippenham

Prospective local Lib Dem MP, Duncan Hames, has said he is delighted to hear that a planning application to build 200 new houses on Bradford on Avon Golf Course has been withdrawn.

The news comes after a sustained campaign to stop the proposed development by Bradford residents, backed by Duncan Hames and local Lib Dem councillors.

Commenting on the news, Duncan said:

“I see this as a real victory for Bradford residents and the keep Bradford Green campaign. After the application was submitted, I wrote to everyone in the affected area to alert them - over 200 letters of objection were sent to the Council planning office. This just goes to show that when we all pull together as a community we really can make a difference.”

In October, Duncan used the Freedom of Information Act to uncover minutes from a secret meeting of Conservative councillors at which they voted to remove a covenant protecting the golf course for the community, in return for a slice of the profits if the land is sold for development.

Duncan said:

“Conservative councillors on the old District Council were eager to build on the golf course, now that their secret decision is in the open the public have made their opposition clear. The new council should end this deal before we have to face another planning application.”

Prospective Lib Dem MP, Duncan Hames, is calling on Network Rail to radically improve the rail service through our part of Wiltshire by rethinking their new 10 year plan.
Duncan said “For too long we’ve been passed over for rail improvements. Trains from Chippenham to Bath and Bristol are often overcrowded, Melksham barely has a rail service, services through Bradford on Avon are in need of increased capacity and Corsham has no station at all! I’m determined to get a decent train service for our towns.”
According to their recently published 10 year plan Network Rail considered putting on more regular services during the day through Melksham, Chippenham and Trowbridge. The proposals included an additional hourly service from Chippenham to Bristol Temple Meads – but Network Rail eventually ditched the idea.
Duncan said “I think Network Rail needs to rethink this decision. If we are to encourage more people to use public transport we desperately need more trains. An extra hourly service from Bristol to Chippenham could also stop at Corsham - giving the town back it’s much needed train service. We also need to increase the peak capacity of services through Bradford on Avon to allow more people to use them and to be sure of getting a seat. ”
Network Rail have said they would consider going ahead if extra money could be found to help with the cost of adapting Chippenham Station. Duncan Hames is calling on Wiltshire Council to help meet these costs.
“The Conservatives who lead Wiltshire Council have told us that they want a better train service for Wiltshire but, so far, have failed to make it happen. If they mean what they say it’s time for them to put their money or that of major house-builders where their mouth is.” Duncan added.

Would-be MP for our area, Duncan Hames, is backing fellow Lib Dem campaigners in Melksham who want local residents to be given the right to reduce the speed limit on their roads to 20mph.

Speeding traffic on residential roads is a real worry for many people,” said Duncan, “As a governor at a local school, I am particularly concerned that Melksham’s young people should have safe routes to school. A 20mph limit on certain residential road would help a lot.” Melksham Lib Dems have a track record of campaigning on road safety. This summer, Cllr Jon Hubbard led a successful campaign to get work moved forward on the traffic island opposite Aloeric Primary School. Jon said “I was very pleased that we were able to get action on the school crossing. A young boy was nearly run down before that problem was fixed.”
“Getting the speed limit reduced to 20mph on those streets where residents want it will make Melksham a safer place. We are calling on the Council to ask residents if they want the speed limit reduced on their street.”
If you would like your road to have its speed limit reduced email Duncan Hames at duncan@ duncanhames.org.uk to join the campaign.

Following a weekend of remembrance for the country’s war dead, prospective local Lib Dem MP, Duncan Hames, has given his backing to the Royal British Legion campaign to secure a better deal for Britain’s troops and their families.

Duncan, who attended memorial services in Chippenham and Melksham on Remembrance Sunday, is backing the Royal British Legion efforts to secure a better deal for our troops. He recently met representatives of the Royal British Legion to give his support to their manifesto to improve conditions for British Armed Forces, past and present, and their families.

Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, said, “We’re really grateful to Duncan for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our message to every candidate standing at the general election is very simple: ‘It’s time to do your bit’.
“The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties,” he added. “Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration”.

Duncan says “Local people stand shoulder to shoulder with service families for whom the wounds of war, both seen and unseen, will require lasting care. Whatever we think of the wars that recent Governments have committed us to, it is our duty to make sure that our service men and women are properly looked after - both during their active service and once they return.”