COUNCILLORS at the heart of decision-making at West Wiltshire District Council have revealed the service areas they are to head.

The seven, who are at the centre of day-to-day decision making, also play a key role in proposing the budget and policy framework the council will follow.

Council leader Tony Phillips OBE confirmed the areas each councillor will be responsible for following two away days with senior officers.

He said: "I am very pleased that the portfolios have now been confirmed, and know that the Cabinet is looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Cllr Phillips and Cllr Graham Payne, the deputy leader, will be responsible for overall strategy including finance, communications, customer service and personnel.

Cllr Christopher Newbury will oversee planning with areas of responsibility including the Local Plan, development and building control and transport planning.

Leisure and rural affairs will be overseen by Cllr Ernie Clark, whose remit will include recreation, arts development, sports development, parks and open spaces and community planning.

Housing and economic development will be the responsibility of Cllr Michael Mounde.

Former council chief executive Roy While, now a councillor, will hold the corporate portfolio looking at Best Value, finance management, IT, community safety, member support, emergency planning, elections and legal services.

Cllr Richard While takes on environmental services.