Celia Stevens, a former town councillor for Calne Central ward, has been successfully co-opted as Councillor for the Calne South ward.
The decision was made during Monday's Full Council Meeting, following an uncontested election that left a vacancy in the ward.
Celia was one of two candidates vying for the position, the other being Rose Cooper.
After a vote by council members, Celia emerged as the victor, securing her place on the council.
In her address to the council, she congratulated both re-elected and newly elected members, noting the increasingly balanced age profile of the council.
Celia underlined her commitment to the role, highlighting her proactive approach during elections, including door-to-door campaigning and direct engagement with residents.
"I live very near Calne South and while many concerns there are the same as in other wards – I know it has some particular issues – traffic difficulties in getting into the centre and supermarkets, (especially with KGA in the ward), limited public transport and something I have expressed worries about lots of times – safe crossings on the A4."
Celia further outlined her priorities for Calne South, including leveraging her experience with the Neighbourhood plan to scrutinise planning proposals effectively.
"Data shows that Calne has a higher proportion of older people than similar sized towns and also that health outcomes for residents here are relatively poor. Doctors’ surgeries and dentists are beyond council control, but councillors can direct community grants and other resources so they have an impact in this important area. I would add that I think council grants in general need better evaluation - both individually and as a whole"
Beversbrook Sports Centre was also highlighted as a key area, with Celia expressing her desire to see the venue's potential for wider health benefits further realised alongside its financial sustainability.
Finally, she reaffirmed her commitment to addressing climate change: "On Saturday, as a member of Sustainable Calne I attended the conference held jointly between Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Climate Alliance – I was pleased to see our mayor introduce the day and share his passion on this topic. It was not about making everyone become vegan, wearing hairshirts and banning cars - but about practical community initiatives that can help people financially and I believe there are lots opportunities for Calne to do some of these things. We must not lose sight of the Climate Change issues"
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