MARLBOROUGH: The remaining play equipment at Cherry Orchard is to be removed, the area reseeded and left as an open play area.

Coun Hilary Cripps said the playground, owned by Sarsen Housing, had cost £2,500 a year to run, with £900 alone spent on bark surfacing. But she said new equipment had been installed at Coopers Meadow playground and there were refurbishment projects for the town's other play areas.

UPAVON: A public inquiry is to be held into Kennet District Council's refusal of planning permission for the demolition of Orchard Cottage in Jarvis Street and its replacement with two new cottages and garages for Trimac Properties. A date and venue are still to be arranged for the hearing.

PEWSEY: A former pupil of Pewsey Vale School has proved that it's never too late to get a degree by gaining a BSc in Community Studies from Gloucester University at the age of 53. Catherine Gurr, originally from Bondfields, Woodborough, lost both her parents in her teens but followed in her mother's footsteps by developing a career in nursing. She originally trained at Devizes and District Hospital and is now working for the Gloucester Royal Infirmary as a bank nurse.

MARLBOROUGH: The Marlborough Area Development Trust is still hoping to arrange a French market in the town, despite opposition from some traders. But mayor Margaret Boulton told Monday's town council finance committee that the French did not always welcome English traders and she thought they should be supporting the local farming community.

MARLBOROUGH: The town council is to give small local groups the chance to benefit from grants. On Monday the finance committee decided not to go along with a request for a grant from the Brandt Group. Coun Ian Perryman said they should be giving to small organisations which needed the money to keep going. It was agreed to give groups two months to make applications.

MARLBOROUGH: The chamber of commerce will get a grant of £1,000 from the town council towards the cost of the Christmas lights. Coun Hilary Cripps told the finance committee on Monday the lights brought people into town and brought cheer to everyone. "I think we should give the chamber support and I hope other businesses will do the same," she said.