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Corsham is a market town within a large parish of around 13000
people, having grown rapidly since 2003. The parish includes the
settlements of Chapel Knapp, Corsham, Cross Keys, Easton, Gastard,
Hartham, Hudswell, Leafield, Middlewick, Neston, Pickwick, Rudloe,
Upper Pickwick, Westrop and Westwells. 
The parish lies on the eastern slopes of the southern Cotswolds
and is on the watershed of the Bristol Avon and the By Brook. There
is no significant river in the town itself although the Byde Mill
Brook flows through a residential area eastwards out of the parish
to Lacock where it joins the River Avon.
Some of the parish boundaries are interesting and ancient. In the
south it is a straight line that follows the line of the Roman road
between Bath and Silchester. In the north-west it follows the line
of a prehistoric track towards Biddestone, while the eastern boundary
would have abutted the Royal forest of Chippenham.
Corsham is about three miles south-west of Chippenham; four miles
north-west of Melksham; seven miles north-east of Bradford on Avon
and about eight miles from Bath. The London to Bristol railway line
runs through Corsham and the eastern end of Brunel’s famous
Box Tunnel lies within the parish. Regular rail services can be
accessed from nearby Chippenham or Bradford on Avon. There is excellent
access to the M4 motorway at Chippenham and Bath.
In 2000 Corsham’s Parish Council became a Town Council, representing
the most local tier of local government. It is a statutory body
of 20 elected members that exists to improve the social, economic
and environmental well-being of Corsham. It does this in a number
of ways. It provides a democratic and representational voice for
the community. Where services are provided directly they are managed
to a good quality standard, in an efficient, effective and responsive
way, at an affordable cost. Where services are provided by others,
the Town Council endeavours to ensure that they are dealt with effectively,
and in accordance with the wishes of the community.
The Town Council’s vision for Corsham is that the town “will
be the most desirable place in Wiltshire to live, work and visit,
with a safe, active, healthy and sustainable community based around
a vibrant and useful town centre”.
The Full Council meets monthly and Council (Planning) meetings are
held every three weeks. There are three standing committees that
meet every other month to make decisions on matters such as policy,
recreation facilities and projects. (For information on contacting
the Town Council see the advert on page 6.)
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