On Thursday, 1st May 2025, elections will take place for 98 Unitary Wiltshire Councillors and across the Parish and Town Councils in Wiltshire. We take a closer look at the candidates who will be vying for your votes in Calne.
Meet the candidates - Ashley O'Neil, Conservative candidate for Wiltshire Council, Calne Rural.
Ashley is seeking re-election on 1st May - a Calne resident, he has served on the Wiltshire Council since 2017 and specifically represented the Calne Rural division since 2021. Ashley told us: "t’s truly an honour to work for the rural parishes around Calne. I enjoy working for the community and supporting them with local issues."
In addition to his council duties, Ashley works in information security, protecting individuals and technology in the digital realm.
He champions the preservation of Calne's beautiful landscape and its thriving rural and farming community, working closely with parish councils in Bremhill, Calne Without (soon to be Derry Hill & Studley), Cherhill, Compton Bassett, and Hilmarton. Ashley believes in providing efficient services and value for money to residents, minimising interference in their daily lives while ensuring adequate support for those in need.
He acknowledges the recent challenges faced by local government, including inflation and increasing demands on social care services, but highlights Wiltshire Council's effective financial management and continued investment in services. "The last few years has not been easy for local government with challenges such as inflation and the increasing demands on services, particularly in adult and children’s social care.
"Wiltshire Council has managed its finances effectively and been able to invest in services and not cut them like neighbouring councils have done," he added.
During his tenure, Ashley highlights his focus on road safety, achieving four speed limit reductions in areas such as Studley Crossroads, Studley village, Foxham, and Compton Bassett as Chairman of the Local Highway and Footpaths Improvement Group on Calne Area Board. He has also supported increased investment in road maintenance and is actively working to repair rural roads damaged during the Lyneham Banks road closure.
As the Cabinet Member for Broadband on Wiltshire Council, he has championed the rollout of full-fibre broadband, bringing coverage to most of the Calne community area. "I thoroughly enjoy supporting local residents and the rural community," Ashley stated. "Having served on Wiltshire Council for 8 years, I am knowledgeable on how the system works which enables me deliver for Calne Rural and get stuff done."
In his spare time, Ashley enjoys spending his spare time outdoors, supporting local businesses, and attending village events. He is also passionate about keeping the local area clean and participates in community litter picking.
He welcomes residents to contact him at 07917 760712 or
He hopes to continue working on behalf of the Calne Rural community if re-elected on 1st May.
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