Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson and Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police Catherine Roper joined councillors and members of the public at the Annual Parish Meeting of Laverstock & Ford Parish.

Residents of Laverstock, Milford, Ford, Bishopdown Farm, Old Sarum and Longhedge had the opportunity to chat informally with PCC Wilkinson and Constable Roper before their official speeches, when the two answered questions from councillors and members of the public.

In addition to the constable and the PCC, attendees were also shown displays by local groups and partner agencies such as the Milford Area Preservation Group (MAPG), Wild About Laverstock and The Land Trust. Wiltshire Wildlife Community Empowerment Officer Josh Rogers also gave a speech about the management of Castle Hill Country Park, and where to find the balance between dog-friendliness and the protection of ground nesting skylarks.

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Members of the parish council said they were pleased that attendance by members of the public at parish meetings was increasing.

Parish clerk Trudi Deane said: "We saw a substantial increase in attendance, which reflects an improvement of communication channels that the parish council now has with its five key communities.”

Tom Maskell, vice-chair of the parish council, said: "It was pleasing to see the number of residents who came, including representatives of our Footpath Warden volunteers, Parish Environmental Action Group and our Community Policing team.

"We are grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable for the healthy level of discussion and for giving detailed and reassuring answers regarding issues of concern for our residents.”