Agenda and minutes

The Chairman, Councillor Graham Payne, welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Trowbridge Area Board.

Groups and organisations in receipt of Area Board grant funding in 2011/12 will provide feedback on their projects.

Grant feedback was received from the following:

·       Trowbridge Academy of Boxing

·       Trowbridge Wanderers Youth Football Club

·       Alzheimer’s Support

·       Splash

·       The Amber Foundation

·       Seymour TARA Hub

·       Trowbridge Town Hall

·       West Ashton Village Hall

·       Wiltshire Marching Youth Band

·       Trowbridge Town Council Olympic celebrations

·       Trowbridge Town Council Jubilee celebrations

·       War Memorial upgrade

·       Wiltshire Islamic Cultural Centre

·       Trowbridge Amateur Swimming Club

·       Trowbridge Arts Festival

·       Monday – Wednesday Club

The Chairman thanked everyone for their feedback and wished them every success with their projects.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jeff Osborn, Councillor John Brady, North Bradley Parish Council and Gaynor Polglase – Southwick Parish Council / PCLG.

      i.        To approve the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 13 September 2012 and the extraordinary meeting held on Thursday 18 October 2012.

    ii.        Matters arising from previous meetings, to include:

·         Correspondence with Transforming Trowbridge.

In the minutes from the 13 September 2012 meeting David Baker had been incorrectly listed as a Trowbridge Town Councillor, and it was agreed that this be amended.

In the minutes from 18 October 2012 meeting, a correction was made to item 9 “Ask the Panel”. In the second set of bullet points at the end of the minute one point read:

·       In response to the comment above, Councillor Thomson announced that Wiltshire Council had taken the bold step to provide the first 6 weeks post-hospital care free of charge.

It was agreed that this be corrected to read:

·       In response to the comment above, Councillor Thomson announced that Wiltshire Council had taken the bold step to fund up to 6 weeks post-hospital care free of charge, for those who meet the council’s eligibility criteria. This was also available to people not in hospital, where it could prevent an admission.

The themed ‘Senior Citizen’ meeting on 18 October 2012 was highlighted as very informative and it was felt that this type of meeting should be held regularly.

Decision

The minutes of the meetings held on 13 September 2012 and 18 October 2012, subject to the amendments above, were agreed 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 of interest.

To include the following:

      i.        Congratulations to Trowbridge Town Council and Hilperton Parish Council.

    ii.        Informal Adult Education Update

   iii.        Community Infrastructure Levy – consultation closes 12 November

   iv.        Proposed Extension to Adcroft Surgery – public exhibition at Civic Centre on 21 November from 4pm-8pm

    v.        A36 – Lorry Turning Ban

   vi.        Petition – Moroccan Community Centre

Updates from partners were received as follows:

       i.          Wiltshire Police

The written update was noted. Inspector Lisette Harvey reported that work on the new team structure was now complete, ensuring the team had the right skills to support the community. Concern was raised over the size of the Adxcroft / Paxford area, however it was confirmed that recent changes had only been to personnel and any boundary changes had been made prior to her taking office at the end of May 2012. Inspector Harvey welcomed feedback on any issues and confirmed she would provide an up to date list of staff members and roles / responsibilities.

     ii.          Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The written update was noted. Mike Franklin highlighted that the drop seen in the total number of fires was reassuring. He confirmed that home fire safety checks are being carried out and encouraged people to contact the service to make a booking. In response to a query on smoke alarm batteries he confirmed that the smoke alarms they supplied had a sealed battery unit.

With reference to item 12 – Peter Black site he explained that they were aware that squatters were back on the site and expressed concern as it was a dangerous building. He understood that Wiltshire Council was taking action and had written to the receivers.

The statutory need to have an Integrated Risk Management plan was highlighted and, if signed off by the fire authority on 14 December 2012, this plan would go out for consultation. He invited organisations to register to be consultees by visiting the website www.wiltsfire.gov.uk and clicking on the icon.

   iii.          NHS Wiltshire

The written updates were noted. There were no further updates.

   iv.          Trowbridge Community Area Future (TCAF)

The written update circulated at the meeting and attached to these minutes was noted. There were no further updates.

     v.          Town and Parish Councils

The written update from Trowbridge Town Council was noted. Lance Allan confirmed that there would be free parking in Wiltshire Council car parks on 24 November 2012 and 15 December 2012 for Christmas events, and a 1 hour voucher would be available from week commencing 17 December 2012. He confirmed that the figure they had received for Band D Council Tax was queried with Wiltshire Council as there had been no change despite there being 400 more houses in the Town. Michael Hudson, Service Director – Finance confirmed that he would take any queries back.

   vi.          Community Area Young Peoples’ Issues Group (CAYPIG)

The Board heard that the CAYPIG had now ceased to operate and would become a part of the newly formed Youth Action Group (YAG). Councillor Helen Osborn was appointed as the Area Board representative to the YAG). An information and recruitment event held last week was well attended and resulted in 3 new members and more expressions of interest. The Board encouraged them to become more involved in shaping the Area Board work and an invitation was given to the YAG for a representative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Wiltshire Councillors appointed as representatives to Outside Bodies will report on any recent news, to include:

      i.        Transforming Trowbridge

    ii.        Collaborative Schools

   iii.        Trowbridge Shadow Community Operations Board.

Updates from the Outside Bodies were received as follows:

i.                 Transforming Trowbridge

Concerns were raised over the idea of changing Trowbridge from a county town to a family town. It was agreed to add this to the January agenda for discussion.

ii.               Collaborative Schools

An update on the Parish’s and Collaborative schools can be found in the TCAF written update circulated at the meeting and attached to these minutes. Tracey Sullivan confirmed that the next meeting would be held in the Town Hall on 23 November 2012 and she would report back to the next Area Board meeting.

iii.             Trowbridge Shadow Community Operations Board

The update report from the Shadow COB was received and noted. Thanks were given to all who completed the survey and to Rachel Goff for her hard work. The Shadow COB will use the results to bring a specific proposal to the Area Board in the New Year.

To consider the following applications for funding:

      i.        Trowbridge Rugby Football Club - £5,000 requested towards additional sports pitches.

    ii.        Gloucester Road Allotment Association - £800 requested for drainage.

   iii.        Hilperton School and Community Recorder Consort - £350 requested to develop a recorder music library.

Neil Ward, Head of Strategic Property Services, to provide an update on the affordable housing proposals for the Margaret Stancomb School site in Trowbridge.

Neil Ward, Head of Strategic Property Services gave an update on the current position of the former Margaret Stancomb School House. He explained that another party had expressed an interest in the site, that he was happy to work with any group under the Community Asset Transfer policy however he expected any interested party to demonstrate engagement with The Trowbridge Town Hall Trust.

Interest in the school house as a separate issue was noted however it was felt there was a need to provide adequate parking facilities with the building.

The Board noted the report.

Kevin Sweeny, Youth Service Area Manager, to provide an update on the changes to the Youth Development Service and to appoint an Area Board member to act as the representative for the new Youth Advisory Group.

This item has been deferred and will now be heard at the 17 January 2013 meeting.

To receive an update on the Peter Black site in Trowbridge from Stephen Hawkins, Team Leader Enforcement.

Councillor James left the room.

Stephen Hawkins, Lead Principal Enforcement Team Leader introduced the report which provided an update on the progress on investigations regarding remedying the poor condition of the site. He explained that there had been attempts to start improvement works and he was aware of the concerns of the WFRS. The deadline of 30 November 2012 was to review, see if the works completed were sufficient or whether formal action was needed.

The Board noted the report.

To receive and note the update on Wiltshire Council’s Dog Warden Service.

Councillor James returned to the room.

The Board considered the report from Yvonne Bennett, Public Protection Manager. It noted that this was a real problem and expressed disappointment at there being only 2 full time wardens for the county after 31 December 2012. Although powers had been extended to Town and Parish Councils and individuals identified it was very difficult to prove and prosecute anyone.

Seymour Park was highlighted as a problem area for dog fouling and the Board agreed to feedback to Yvonne their disappointment over the number of wardens for the county and ask her to look at Seymour Park.

To consider a report and recommendations from the Community Area Transport Group for the prioritisation of small-scale local transport and highways improvements.

Notice has been given that the following amendment will be moved in relation to paragraph 2.1 of the attached report:

That this Trowbridge Area Board asks Wiltshire Council; that in considering the relief of communities between Semington and the A36 from HGV and other through traffic, only those options which provide significant relief to West Ashton, North Bradley, Southwick and the town of Trowbridge should be adopted.

Councillor Morland returned to the room.

Councillor Graham Payne introduced the report and drew attention to the amendment tabled in the agenda for paragraph 2.1 and shown below:

2.1     It was agreed to recommend that:

          Trowbridge Area Board asks Wiltshire Council; that in considering the relief of communities between Semington and the A36 from HGV and other through traffic, only those options which provide significant relief to West Ashton, North Bradley, Southwick and the town of Trowbridge should be adopted.

The Board heard that the recommendation in paragraph 2.2 for the funding of dropped kerbs would aid wheelchair users.

Decision

The Board agreed to replace paragraph 2.1 of the CATG report with the amendment shown above.

Councillor Graham Payne abstained from voting.

Decision

The Board agreed to the recommendations in paragraphs 2.1 as amended above and paragraph 2.2 of the report.

Ken McCall from Campaign for a better Trowbridge addressed the Board and raised concerns over a potential Westbury Bypass. He provided details from a planning enquiry held in 2009 during the existence of Wiltshire County Council and at which the benefits for a far western route were seen through modelling of HGV’s. He urged that the Trowbridge Community Area be consulted as a key stakeholder when Wiltshire Council consult the public regarding their saved policy review, particularly policy T1A.

Councillor Morland stated that it was clear that the volume of traffic does not justify a bypass. He urged the Board to concentrate on Trowbridge highways issues and drew attention to the Trowbridge Transport Strategy which was currently open for consultation.

The Board noted that all villages were concerned and recognised the need for a sensible strategy.

The Chairman will take any items of urgent business.

The meeting is asked to note the future meeting dates below and the Forward Plan.

There was no urgent business.

The Board noted the forward plan.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting. The meeting finished at 8.45 pm.

The next meeting of the Trowbridge Area Board would take place on Thursday 17 January 2013, 7.00 pm at County Hall, Trowbridge.