Issue - meetings

To receive any updates from partners including the BA13+ Community Area Partnership, Town and Parish Councils, Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, NHS and Chamber of Commerce.

Inspector Dave Minty provided a verbal update from Wiltshire Police and reported that recent figures indicated that there had been 24 more crimes than last year, predominantly being criminal damage and dwelling burglaries. The burglaries had been ongoing until last month when DNA evidence had identified an individual responsible for these crimes, and burglaries had since slowed down in numbers. Despite this advancement, security advice still remained.

Inspector Minty also reported that a recent increase in car crime was now on the decrease since a male had been found to be responsible for at least seven of the incidents.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams and other resources were being used effectively to minimise these crimes. Work was also taking place with some youths regarding anti-social behaviour, particularly with regard to issues in the Market Place which was a priority at present.

Councillor David Jenkins announced that the Anti-Social Behaviour Task Group would be reforming over the summer to look at general anti-social behaviour in the area.

Councillor Jenkins provided an update from the Westbury Chamber of Commerce and reported on the changes to car parking charges that had recently been implemented. The Chamber felt that Wiltshire Council had underestimated the impact of the changes, which had resulted in local concern and upset.

Councillor Jenkins also reported on the success of the recent network meeting, which had been very well attended. Regular monthly meetings were now being planned, along with a Forward Plan of breakfast meetings and social events.

Partner updates from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and NHS Wiltshire were included in the agenda pack at pages 23 to 26. Councillor Julie Swabey praised Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Wiltshire Highways for their prompt response and excellent work relating to a recent house fire next to her home.

Finally, Councillor Hawker wished to draw people’s attention to the display of photographs in the school lobby. The photographs, taken by students, were the results of a competition which had been funded by a grant awarded by the Area Board.