Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from:

• Councillor xxxx

Apologies for absence were received from:

·       Cllr Andy Oliver

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 September 2023.

The minutes of the last meeting were presented.

It was;

Resolved:

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 September 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations.

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

The Chairman gave the following updates:

Cost of living

Wiltshire Council continued to provide support to struggling households in response to the cost-of-living challenges. Despite a drop in inflation and energy costs, prices continue to rise and remained a cause for concern for many residents. The Household Support Fund administered by the council would be used to provide support to the most in need to combat food and energy poverty.

Charities and community groups would also continue to play a key role and had been successful in bidding for funds from the scheme, enabling them to deliver support to the homeless, older people and those facing domestic violence. Council libraries would again provide a focal point for guidance and support, as well as a warm space and free warm packs. Local support was available through Wiltshire Councils interactive guide accessible through the council website.

The Area Board continued to provide local guidance and support in collaboration with its community partners. There were seven warm spaces operating in the area, and the Longhedge Community Pantry, supported by Area Board funding, was thriving and providing much needed support, helping to reduce food waste and help with climate change.

Following challenges over the summer, the councils FUEL scheme would again be running over the festive period, offering fun activities, healthy meals and education for eligible children.

All Together Website

Wiltshire Council, along with health partners, police, and community groups, had recently launched the All Together website, a comprehensive resource hub for children, young people, and families. This initiative precedes the Family Hubs model, set to roll out in April, providing support for children up to 18 years old and up to 25 years old for those with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities.

Dementia Support

Following discussions from previous meetings, the Area Board was seeking to strengthen dementia support across southern Wiltshire by exploring the adoption of the neighbourhood collaboratives model, bringing health, care and other community partners together and provide a more strategic approach. A meeting with Claire Scudamore from the ICB had provided insights. Plans were underway for a readiness review meeting in the new year.

Climate Emergency

The council had also recently published a Climate Emergency Update outlining progress toward becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Initiatives included energy-efficient measures in homes, increased funding for cycle and footpaths, and upgrades to the EV charging network. The council would engage with the Area Board to offer guidance and support for local initiatives.

Highways Matters Event

The next Area Board meeting on 22 February 2024 will be a "Highways Matters" event. This would be an opportunity to meet with the highways team, community road safety team, and others to ask questions and raise concerns. Written questions before the event were encouraged to ensure appropriate responses.

Area Board Volunteer Event

Additionally, the Area Board was planning a volunteer event next spring to showcase the work of community partners and encourage volunteering. More details to follow.

Celebration of Culture Event

A finally, Longford and Alderbury primary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 148.

The Board is asked to note the following Information items:

·       Community First

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       Update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Cost of living Update (Sep)

o   IV Scheme

o   Archaeology Service Newsletter

o   FACT Family Help Programme

The Board noted the Information Items as set out in the agenda pack, these were:

·       Community First

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       Update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o Cost of living Update (Sep)

o IV Scheme

o Archaeology Service Newsletter

o FACT Family Help Programme

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Neighbourhood Policing Team – Inspector Tina Osborn

·       Parish Councils and Community groups

Written Updates

The Board is asked to note the following written and online updates attached to the agenda:

·       Police NPT Update & Road Safety Data

·       Fire & Rescue

The Board noted the written updates attached to the agenda and received the following verbal updates:

Neighbourhood Police Team – Inspector Tina Osborn

It had been a busy time over the last couple of months, this would continue on the approach to the festive period.

During the summer there had been a significant number of burglaries, around the community area. The work of the Special Operations Team had resulted in catching two burglars in the act.  The individuals were given bail conditions which prohibited them from entering Wiltshire, as they resided out of county.

Since that time there had been no further reported burglaries in those areas, thanks for the local feedback which led to those arrests.

Plant machinery and trailers had been stollen, a reminder was given to rural residents and those with farms to put as many protection measures in place as possible to act as a deterrent. Cross border operations continued with Hampshire and Dorset. 

Awareness around knife crime with Officers working with schools and shops to give talks and carry out knife sweeps.

Following recent incidents in Alderbury, there had been an increase of targeted high visibility patrols. The children involved had been identified and discussions held with their parents. 

Questions:

·       Winterbourne PC - The traffic data info in the report doesn’t include everything from our community, the geographic community areas of the Area Boards are not matched with police areas. Enforcement needed at Winterbourne Gunner and the Portway.

Answer: Tina to take this matter back and will collate the info.

·       Have you noticed an uplift in reports about catapults in Redlynch?

Answer: I am aware of incidents you refer to and officers have spoken to the victim and build intelligence around it.

WDFR – Chris Wood, District Commander

During the summer as the weather was bad, it was as busy as the previous year. The crews had been attending cars stuck in flood water due to flooding. Advise not to drive through flooding.

As winter approached there was an increase in the use of log burners and chimneys were back being used after the summer period. People were urged to get chimneys swept before use, as there was an uptick of chimney fires this time of year.

Safe and well visits were available. The service could send out fire fighters to homes to provide home safety advice and where applicable, fit appliances free of charge and advise on what to do in cases of emergency. www.Dwfire.org.uk

Questions:

Was there much uptake on the safe and well visits?

Answer: Yes around 1000 per year. If people work with any groups please refer us on mass to them. We aim to attend within 56 days depending on the criteria of a request.

The Downton Link works with volunteer drivers locally, we would like to link up with you.

Answer: Yes please make contact for further details.

Tel: 0800 038 2323 or visit https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safe-and-well-visits/

Chris.wood@dwfire.org.uk

Parish Councils

Laverstock & Ford (L&F) PC – Trudi Dean

With  ...  view the full minutes text for item 150.

To note the remaining budgets and to consider any applications for funding, as detailed in the attached report and summarised below:

Remaining Budgets:

Officer: Karen Linaker, Strategic Engagement & Partnerships Manager

Community Area Grants:

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

Young People Grants:

Delegated Funding

The Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager will note any awards made under the Delegated Funding Process, between meetings due to matters of urgency.

Further information on the Area Board Grant system can be found here.

The Board noted the budgets remaining for allocation at the meeting and heard from representatives in attendance who gave a brief overview of their project followed by any questions by the Board.

The Chairman noted that £5k of youth funding which had been previously ringfenced was also now available to be used towards any allocations at the meeting, providing there was evidence that some element of the project would benefit young people.

Community Area Grants:

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, Conservation of Royal Flying Corps Collection, requested £2946

The Applicant Tim Cornish spoke in support of the project.

The Chairman noted the community benefit, specifically the aspect of volunteers and opportunities for young people to be involved as volunteers.

Cllr McLennan noted the history behind the airfield and the importance of Old Sarum Airfield and surrounding greenspace to Laverstock & Ford parish.  

The merits of the aviation collection were recognised as a worthwhile endeavour; however, the provision of new local community benefits was questioned.

The applicant confirmed that a great deal of the membership fees was used towards the cost to open the museum each year and that they were treading a fine line to being in the red and getting by. The RAF Museum could not be approached for a contribution as I was also struggling.

The Board noted the community benefit being delivered.

Cllr McLennan moved the motion to award in full. This was seconded by Cllr Rogers.

Decision

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection was awarded £2946 towards the Conservation of Royal Flying Corps Collection.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24

Winterbourne Glebe Hall, Audio & Visual Capability project, requested £5000

The Applicants Graham Lloyd and Maureen Atkinson spoke in support of the project.

The project was not for a replacement, but an enhancement of the current capabilities. The project would benefit all who used the hall, including youth groups such as the scouts and guides etc.

The project was separated into two phases. This application was part of the first phase. Phase 2 was more of a business need project which the Parish Council would contribute towards.

Cllr Rogers moved the motion to award in full. This was seconded by Cllr R Clewer.

Decision

Winterbourne Glebe Hall was awarded £5000 towards the Audio & Visual Capability project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24

Young People Grants:

Alderbury Football Club, New Goals project, requested £1832.40

No one was in attendance to speak to the project or answer questions.

Decision

Thre application from Alderbury Football Club was Deferred.

Reason – The applicant was not in attendance.

Downton Parish Council, Moot Lane Play Park Grand Opening (Tech Bal Demonstration), requested £1000

The Applicant Jane Brentor spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Rogers moved the motion to award in full. This was seconded by Cllr R Clewer.

Decision

Downton Parish Council was awarded £1000 towards Moot Lane Play Park Grand Opening.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24

Delegated Funding:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 151.

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 14 November 2023, as set out in the attached report.

Recommendations:

·        4a – Winterslow Road, Porton – Dropped Kerb – £2,400

·       4b – Hurdcott Lane Access Improvements – £2981.25

·       4e – Ford 30mph Gateway Markings – £1078.12

·       4f – Odstock Kissing Gates – £675

·       4i – Grove Lane NAL Socket – £525

·       4q – Longford Primary School School Keep Clear Marking – £1939.94

Further information on the LHFIG process can be found here.

The Board considered the report and funding recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 14 November 2023.

It was;

Resolved:

To approve the LHFIG funding recommendations to the following schemes:

·       4a – Winterslow Road, Porton – Dropped Kerb – £2,400

·       4b – Hurdcott Lane Access Improvements – £2981.25

·       4e – Ford 30mph Gateway Markings – £1078.12

·       4f – Odstock Kissing Gates – £675

·       4i – Grove Lane NAL Socket – £525

·       4q – Longford Primary School School Keep Clear Marking –£1939.94