Agenda and minutes

The Chairman, Councillor Ricky Rogers welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Salisbury Area Board and invited the members of the Board to introduce themselves.

As a trial, the Chairman asked the Board members whether they had any items of Urgent Business to be discussed. The following items were then given time at the end of the agenda under item 15.

·         Councillor McKeown – Proposed closure of Hillcote Residential Centre.

·         Councillor Tomes – Flooding to properties around the Cathedral.

There were none.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 November 2013.

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 14 November 2013 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Matters Arising

Councillor Douglas asked whether a rota for Board members to attend the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) had been produced yet. Answer: The Chairman informed the Board that he was the nominated representative from the Board to attend the YAG meetings.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee, other than those listed on the Councillors information pages online.

Information on individual interests for each Councillor can be found by following the link:

http://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1

Councillor Moss declared an Interest relating to item 14, Community Area Grants – St Marks School PTA, as he is a Governor at the School.

The Chairman will give an update on outcomes and actions arising from previous meetings of the Area Board.

·       Nomination for the listing of The Duke of York as an Asset of Community Value.

·       Playhouse ACE Bid.

The Chairman gave the following updates:

Nomination for the listing of The Duke of York as an Asset of Community Value

A request had been circulated to Board members prior to the meeting, detailing the request to nominate the Duke of York public house as an Asset of Community Value, as detailed in the papers attached to the agenda. The Salisbury Area Board supported the bid.

Playhouse ACE Bid

Salisbury Playhouse is undertaking a major capital project to help the organisation to become more resilient, sustainable and accessible. Wiltshire Council, as a major funder of Wiltshire’s only producing professional theatre, is keen to ensure that it supports the Playhouse to develop its space in any way that it can. 

The Board supported the ACE bid made by the Playhouse, as detailed in the papers attached to the agenda.

Salisbury Vision

Following a meeting with the Leader of the Council, it was clear that the Salisbury Vision would remain in operation, to enable government funding to be drawn down. New guidelines and terms of reference would be drawn up. It was hoped that the Vision would work in cooperation with the Board and Community Area Partnership, to prevent any duplication of work.

Maltings and Central Car Park

The Chairman had attended a meeting with Stanhope and Richard Walters, to discuss the way forward with presenting an update at a future Area Board meeting. A meeting would be scheduled in March of 2014, where details of proposals, along with timelines would be presented by Stanhope.  

Air Quality Steering Group

The group had not met for some time, a meeting date would be scheduled and circulated shortly.

Comments and Questions included:

·         Councillor Clewer suggested that the Council could look at all of the community assets around Salisbury which may be suitable to be listed as Assets of Community Value, so that they could all be approved in one sitting, rather than individually.  The Chair advised that he had invited Sarah Ward from the Council’s Transformation Team to prepare a report detailing all Council owned assets within the City; this would be presented to the next meeting.

Andrew Hesketh of CAMERA added that he was hoping to present information of all public houses and clubs considered suitable under this scheme to Full Council in May 2014.

·         Andrew Roberts, Chairman of Salisbury City Council (SCC) noted that listing the Salisbury Bus Station site as an Asset of Community Value, was on the agenda for discussion at the next SCC meeting on 20 January 2013. Those interested could follow the progress of that bid from there.

To note the following items for information, attached to the agenda:

a)    Wiltshire Council updates – Drainage Bye Laws

b)    Stanhope Update – Maltings & central car park scheme

The Board noted the items for information, attached to the agenda.

a)    Wiltshire Council updates – Drainage Bye Laws

(It was noted that this consultation had closed on 10 December 2013 – details had been tabled at the last meeting)

b)    Stanhope Update – Maltings & central car park scheme – the Chair explained that he would be convening a special meeting of the Board to consider this issue in March.

To note that information on the following consultations can be found via the following link:

http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal

The Board noted the information available on the consultation web page.

link: http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire, Angus McPherson will introduce a consultation on the draft Police and Crime Plan and budget, including the precept.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson presented information to the board on the current consultation on the police and crime element of council tax for 2014/15, which was running from Monday 6 January to Monday 3 February 2014.

The Commissioner is considering an increase in the police and crime element of council tax of £3.15 a year for the average home (band D property). This is to help reduce the impact of significant central government grant reductions on policing and crime services in Wiltshire and Swindon.

An average increase of £3.15 per household would provide the Commissioner with an additional £740,000 of local income for 2014-15.

Looking ahead three years to 2016-17, a proposed increase of £3.15 a year would reduce the potential funding shortfall by £2.3 million, meaning that savings of £12.5 million would be required rather than £14.8 million. Since the start of the austerity period, savings of more than £10 million have already been made.

Wiltshire are one of the first in the country to open recruitment and have already run two campaigns, with a further two planned for 2014.

Future investments in the IT infrastructure for officers on the street and in a customer crime and management system would be made.

Angus asked people to complete the feedback forms which had been circulated at the meeting.

Questions and comments were then received, these included:

·         Wiltshire had been chosen to pilot a scheme where the Mental Health Team, what would be in place for those in custody with mental health issues?  Answer: There would be a full time Mental Health nurse with full access to a mental health team, to support the vulnerable. There are a huge number of individuals with mental health issues, custody is not the place for them.

·         Would you take the freeze grant if offered by central government or would you opt for the £3.15 increase to achieve the full £740,000? Answer: We will work to ensure the gap between £24 million and £22 million is reduced, whilst maintaining the Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT). The tax base must be increased, £3.15 is a modest increase to maintain the NPT.

In 2013, Wiltshire built on the legacy of the 2012 Olympics with a range of community activities and new initiatives.  As we enter 2014, it is time to look forward to see how the Area Boards can build upon the good work delivered so far to create a lasting legacy for Wiltshire.  Laurie Bell, Associate Director at Wiltshire Council will outline some of the new opportunities available to the Area Board in 2014.

In 2013, Wiltshire built on the legacy of the 2012 Olympics with a range of community activities and new initiatives.  As we enter 2014, it is time to look forward to see how the Area Boards can build upon the good work delivered so far to create a lasting legacy for Wiltshire. 

Laurie Bell, Associate Director at Wiltshire Council outlined some of the work carried out so far and new opportunities available to the Area Board in 2014, these included:

Events Supported in 2013:

•        Supported Salisbury EXPO

•        Organised 5 Wealth of Wiltshire Fayres throughout the year

•        Hosted business breakfasts

•        Main sponsor of the Big Business event in Salisbury

•        Organised EXPO event in Trowbridge

•        Main sponsor Salisbury Christmas market

Events Planned for 2014:

Economy

•        More Wealth of Wiltshire Fayres to support small businesses

•        Business and sporting dinner to support future Olympians and Paralympians - March

•        Hosting business breakfasts

•        Support for the Big Business event in Salisbury - April

•        A large EXPO event in Chippenham - June

Supporting local Olympians and Paralympians

•        Business and sporting dinner to raise funding

•        Set up a foundation for the future

•        Connecting business and sports stars

•        Promoting our local talent

The Big Pledge

On 2 April 2014 the Big Pledge will be launched. Individuals, groups, businesses or communities are being encouraged to pledge what they will do to make a difference to either their own health and wellbeing or for others in their local community.

Pledges can be wide-ranging just as long as they focus on improving the health and general wellbeing of themselves or others, or are geared toward doing something as a community.

Anybody and everybody can pledge, those under 16 can be part of a pledge group which is hosted by an adult over 18. More information can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/bigpledge

Cycle Wiltshire

Cycle Wiltshire is a two day cycling event taking place on 3 and 4 May, 2014. The event which has been organised by Wiltshire Council in partnership with British Cycling aims to encourage people to keep fit and active, bring local people together and boost the local economy – the three aims of A Legacy for Wiltshire – the programme of events organised following the local interest and enthusiasm generated by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Starting from Salisbury’s Five Rivers Leisure Centre, the Cycle Wiltshire Sportive will take place on Saturday 3 May 2014. The sportive is suitable for all levels with the choice of three distances (100 miles, 64 miles and a family adventure route of 20 miles).  Rides start from 8.30am, with registration between 4pm - 8pm on Friday 2 May and from 7am on Saturday 3 May 2014. To sign up visit the British Cycling website.

There will also be a village style area will be set up to include cycling display stands, and additional cycling activities to entertain spectators and participants with family riding opportunities.

The following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To receive any verbal updates from partners present and to note any written updates circulated at the meeting:

a)       Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

b)       Salisbury City Council

c)       Laverstock and Ford Parish Council

d)       Police (including update on the Police Station)

e)       Fire

f)        SCCAP (see also item 11 below)

g)       Clinical Commissioning Group –  written update.

Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

Winnie Manning, Integrated Youth Services, Team Leader gave an update to the Board. Five young people had recently attended the Shadow Community Operations Board (COB) meeting to give their views on the Salisbury Campus project. One of the issues they highlighted was the poor signage to the footpath behind Waitrose.

The YAG had members of varying ages and backgrounds. The group would be joining the WWI commemorations by putting together a dance performance. Winnie gave thanks to Cllr Douglas and Cllr Clewer for their work with the young people.

The YAG were keen to work with Stanhope on the Maltings development consultation. 

Salisbury City Council

Andrew Roberts, Leader of SCC gave an update to the Board.

·         There would be less community events during 2014, due to budget cuts.

·         It was hoped that the Community Sports Coaches would continue in place for another year.

·         The booking fees for all sports pitches owned by SCC would be waived for 2014.

·         SCC would be looking to form a policy on listing Assets of Community Value.

·         There would be a new city Councillor for the St Martins Ward by the following the by-election taking place today.

·         The Crematorium would re-open for services on 20 January 2014. The project had been delivered on budget, however there had been a delay due to a complication with the delivery of the windows.  

Laverstock and Ford Parish Council

The former Chairman of the parish council; Ron Champion had resigned at the last meeting, a new Chairman had been elected, Cllr Christopher Burnell had been elected as the new Chairman and Cllr Vic Bussereau as the Vice Chairman.

The Parish Council had requested that the new housing development at Hampton Park 2 has WWI fallen soldiers names for each of the new street signs.

Police

Inspector Andy Noble gave an update to the Board.

There had been some movement of PCSO’s who had trained to become Police Officers,  to replace those posts, three experienced PCSO’s from other areas were now in place.

Sergeant Jenny Bailey-Hobbs had been seconded to work on the decommissioning of Salisbury Police Station and had been replaced by David Whitby.

The main focus over the next few months would be on violence and non dwelling burglaries.

The Technical College would be aiming to open in 2014, at the Wilton Road Police Station site, with Police assets starting to move out of the building from May 2014.

For an interim period, assets would be collocated with Wiltshire Council in Bourne hill, where the Neighbourhood Policing team along with other police services would be located, this would include a front counter enquiry service.

There would be 100 responses staff serving the wider area, including Tidworth and Amesbury, would be based at the existing police estate in Amesbury, still serving Salisbury but would start and end their duty from the Amesbury location.

A new purpose build custody suite was planned for Salisbury, until that was in place there would be a period of time  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To consider the attached report setting out proposals for consultation.

The Chairman drew attention to the report attached to the agenda. Questions and comments were then taken, these included:

·       The Chairman of SCC noted that any suggestions that arose form the consultation workshop would need to be considered by all of the SCC Councillors.

·       Who are the major stakeholders to be invited? Answer: All of the existing people involved, SCC and to other key organisations in the City. 

·       The roundtable planned for 7^th would be used to find possible ways forward, why then is the Area Board putting forward proposals ahead of thatr?  Answer: It is considered useful to go in to the workshop with a set of suggestions for consideration.

·       What works in other community areas may not work for Salisbury.  Answer: although arrangements in other areas have been examined, the hope is to build a partnership approach that is right for the City.

Following discussion, the Board considered the recommendations as detailed in the report attached to the agenda.

Decision

Salisbury Area Board supports the proposals set out in the report attached to the agenda, as its preferred option for consideration to the consultation workshop with SCCAP, Salisbury City Council and other partner organisations within the City.

A formal consultation workshop would be organised between (7^th February) and include all major stakeholders.

In order to comply with the Wiltshire Compact and subject to the outcome of the consultation process, formal notice was given to SCCAP of the Board’s intention to discontinue funding its existing administration and operating costs from 1 April 2014.

That  proposals be submitted to the next meeting of the Salisbury Area Board on 13 March 2014.

The Board will consider whether to allocate funding to the Area Board Project – Cecil Beaton Exhibition, at the Salisbury Museum, as detailed in the attached report.

Cllr: Bill Moss

The Board considered the Area Board Project/Councillor Led Initiative, put forward by Councillor Bill Moss, to allocate funding to the Cecil Beaton exhibition at the Salisbury Museum, as detailed in the papers attached to the agenda.

Decision

Salisbury Area Board awarded £5,000 towards the Area Board Project/Councillor Led Initiative to support Salisbury museum by assisting with the cost of marketing the exhibition.

To note the Council’s new policy on 20 mph speed limits and to discuss the applicability of the policy to areas within the City not already covered.  Members may wish to form a view and refer this matter to the Community Area Transport Group for detailed consideration.

The Board noted the information on Wiltshire’s 20mph Speed Limit and Zones policy attached to the agenda.

Comments and questions were received, these included:

·       Margaret Willmot - 20mph limits are gaining in popularity across the country. Safety is one major benefit, as a vehicle travelling at 20moh causes less damage upon impact than at 30mph.

·       Casualty figures taken 3 years prior to the implementation of the 20mph zone in Salisbury and 3 years after show a reduction of 46%.

·       Lower Bemerton was interested in having a 20mph zone through the village.

·       The SCC Planning Committee had resolved its preference to have a 20mph zone across the city as it was thought to be easier to police.

·       The cycle lanes through Laverstock have a good effect on slowing the traffic down, there should be more areas which have shared space on the road.

·       There are funding issues to implementing a 20mph scheme across Wiltshire.

·       It would be important to consult prior to the implementation of the 20mph zone across blanket areas, as you would need to ensure it was both wanted and that it made sense.

·       All new estates should have 20moh zones.

·       To encourage young children to cycle to school would see life long benefits.

·       The report lacks ambition, it should say that 20mph zones must be considered.

·       The city as a whole should be considered for the 20mph zone, including Harnham and Bemerton.

Decision

That this matter is referred to the Community Area Transport Group for further consideration.

To consider 3 applications for funding from the Community Area Grant Scheme for 2013/14, as detailed in the attached report.

The Chairman invited a representative from each of the grant applicants to give a brief overview of their project to the Area Board.  Following questions and discussion, the Area Board members voted on each application.

Decision

St Marks School PTA was awarded £3,800 towards the Somerset Road Campus Hub Project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2013/14.

Decision

SCAR (Salisbury Coalition Against Racism) was awarded £2,600 towards the Unity, Unison and HarmonyProject.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2013/14.

Decision

Salisbury Malayalee Association was awarded £1,250 towards the purchase of Communal Cooking Equipment.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2013/14.

The date of the next meeting is Thursday 13 March 2014, 7pm at South Wilts Grammar School, Salisbury.

Venue TBC

The Chairman took the two items of Urgent Business, which had been put forward at the start of the meeting.

1.Councillor McKeown – Proposed closure of Hillcote Residential Centre.

A Rapid Scrutiny review was carried out to look at the proposed closure of  Hillcote residential centre. No case was found that there would be any financial gain.

The Board members agreed to request a meeting with the relevant Cabinet member to reinforce their views.

Action: CAM to request a meeting with relevant Cabinet member, to discuss Hillcote residential centre, before 28 January 2014.

2.Councillor Tomes – Flooding to properties around the Cathedral.

Following the recent and ongoing extreme weather conditions, some residents living in the St Martins and Cathedral ward of Salisbury had been evacuated due to electrical and sewage issues.

Some local residents had raised concerns regarding the sluice gates along the river. The Environment Agency had informed us that the gates had been opened between Salisbury and Christchurch, however it had since come to light that some of the gates located on private ground had not been opened.

Residents living at the bottom of Cathedral Close had been left to go and purchase their own sandbags to protect their homes, feeling that they have been left to deal with the situation by themselves.

It would be useful if we could have a list of the sluice gates up and down the river, with who is responsible for each, along with details of expected levels of water over the next few months.

As the extreme weather continues, we must find a way of sharing information to let people know where they can get sandbags from.

Action: That a meeting of local stakeholders be convened once the floods have abated to consider developing a local civil emergency plan for the City.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and noted that the next meeting of the Salisbury Area Board would be held on Thursday 13 March 2014 at South Wilts Grammar School.