Council accused of 'neglecting' Calne on Explore Wiltshire app

The app is designed to allow visitors and residents to explore the county’s landmarks, historic sites and cultural venues.

It currently has guides for the largest towns across Wiltshire, such as Salisbury, Trowbridge and Chippenham, as well as smaller areas like Bradford on Avon.

However, Calne is among the towns that aren’t yet included.

The Explore Wiltshire app does not currently contain a guide for Calne. (Image: Google)

Wiltshire’s Lib Dem leader Cllr Ian Thorn, who is also Deputy Mayor of Calne and a member of Calne Town Council, said: “This year is one of the most important in recent years for Calne.

“We are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the discovery of oxygen in the town by Dr Joseph Priestley.

“There are a range of events to mark of occasion and yet visiting Wiltshire Council’s new Explore Wiltshire app there is no mention of the events or even that Calne exists.

“Many people in Calne feel the town is neglected by Wiltshire Council and this omission only adds to the view.”

The app is also yet to include guides for towns such as Melksham, Westbury, Corsham, Wootton Bassett, Amesbury and Tidworth.

The leader of Wiltshire Council, Richard Clewer, responded: "Calne does not yet feature on Explore Wiltshire because the town council have chosen not to engage with the Wiltshire Towns program to provide the content for a trail. 

"If Cllr Thorn spent a little less time playing political games and more time ensuring that the Town Council he runs actually provided content for a trail in Calne it would already be on the App."

Upon launching the new Explore Wiltshire Events app last month, Cllr Clewer had previously said: “We’re delighted to launch our new Explore Wiltshire Events app to encourage more people to get out and about in Wiltshire.

“The app is packed full of fantastic events for everyone that will not only attract residents and tourists, but also help to boost the county’s economy, which is one of our key Business Plan aims.

“The funding for this app has been provided through our Wiltshire Towns Programme, a £1m investment each year for four years that seek to transform Wiltshire's high streets by growing businesses and supporting employment.

“I’d encourage anyone looking for a day out in Wiltshire to check out our new app to find something fun to do near them, particularly as the summer approaches and the longer days are upon us.”