Agenda and minutes

1. Introduction of Area Board Members and Cabinet Members Cllr Stuart Wheeler and Cllr Dick Tonge
2. Health Fair and Workshop - 24 April at The Paragon
3. Flooding Consultation
4. Review of Special Educational Needs Provision
5. Gypsy and Traveller Review
6. Contaminated Land Strategy
7. Air Quality Consultation

The Chairman, Councillor Russell Hawker, welcomed everyone to the fifth meeting of the Westbury Area Board and explained that it provided the opportunity for people to ask questions on local issues.

Councillor Hawker introduced his role and that of the councillors and officers present. He also welcomed to the meeting two Cabinet members; Councillor Stuart Wheeler, with responsibility for Leisure, Sport and Culture and Councillor Dick Tonge, with responsibility for Highways and Transport.

There were a number of Chairman’s announcements, as follows:

Flooding Consultation

Two Operational Flood Working Groups had been set up to collate information on flooding and drainage issues around the County. Parish and Town Councils were being invited to contribute to the collation of local data, and to assist this, flood packs were available from the Community Area Manager.

Review of Special Educational Needs Provision

A consultation was underway on the provision of services to children with Special Educational Needs. There was an opportunity to meet with officers to discuss the proposals at Salisbury City Hall on Tuesday 4 May 2010 from 7.00 pm. The closing date for the consultation was 12 noon on Monday 24 May 2010 and any questions should be directed to Tracey Gates on 01225 756170 traceygates@wiltshire.gov.uk.

Gypsy and Traveller Review

An eight week consultation on the issues and general approach to identifying land for new gypsy, traveller and showpeople sites began on Tuesday 6 April and would end at 5.00 pm on Friday 4 June 2010.

All information relating to the consultation would be available from the end of March on line at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/gypsyandtravellersitesallocationsdpd and in the main Council offices in Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury and Trowbridge and available at local libraries. Consultation drop-in events were being held at the following locations between 4pm and 8pm:

Wessex Room, Corn Exchange, Devizes, Tuesday 11 May 2010

Salisbury, City Hall, Thursday 13 May 2010.

Contaminated Land Strategy

A draft Contaminated Land Strategy for Wiltshire was currently being developed and consultation on the document would remain open until 10 May 2010. Any comments on the proposals should be emailed to publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.ukor sent to the Specialist Environmental Protection Team at Monkton Park, Chippenham, SN15 1ER.

Air Quality Consultation

Views were being sought on the Air Quality Strategy, which had been developed as an over-arching document detailing the approach to air quality. The consultation on the document would remain open until 18 June 2010.

Those wishing to submit comments should contact Gary Tomsett, Environmental Protection Specialist Team Manager, on 01722 434340 or           gary.tomsett@wiltshire gov.uk.

Health Fair

Sally Hendry, Westbury Community Area Manager, reminded everyone that the Westbury Health Fair would be taking place on Saturday 24 April 2010 from 9.30 am until 12 noon at the Paragon Hall in Westbury. People were encouraged to attend the Health Fair, followed by a one hour workshop, as it would provide an opportunity to discuss health issues and have free health checks.

An apology was received from Julia Cramp, who was the new Service Director for Westbury Area Board. There would be the opportunity to meet Julia at future meetings.

Apologies were also received from Kerry Eatwell of the BA13+ Community Area Partnership and Dai Davies, Minister of Westbury Leigh and Storemore Baptist Church.

Councillors are requested to declare any personal or prejudicial interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

Councillor Michael Cuthbert-Murray declared a personal interest in Item 9 regarding Westbury Pool as he was involved with the Save Westbury Pool Campaign Group.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2010.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Westbury Board, held on Thursday 11 February 2010, were agreed a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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.

To receive a presentation from pupils of Matravers School.

Sally Hendry introduced Toni Brodie, Deputy Head of Matravers School, who would be explaining about the Matravers School Health Drop-In. Sally explained that this issue was closely related to the presentation at the last meeting on the findings of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

Toni Brodie explained that Matravers School was setting up a Health and Wellbeing Drop-In Centre that would run every Wednesday in the student reception area at the school. The purpose of this initiative was to provide young people from the Westbury area with the opportunity to access professional support and advice regarding health and wellbeing issues.

The drop-in service had been developed in consultation with the school nurse, Connexions, Relate, Fairfield Farm College and the Citizens Advice Bureau. It had been proven to work well across the country, particularly among young people who did not want to visit their GP; the drop-in initiative was an alternative option for them. Maxine, one of the students involved in the project, was supportive of the initiative as it would provide young people with a place to turn to for advice on health matters.

Councillor Hawker thanked Toni Brodie and the students for coming to the Area Board to raise this issue. Toni Brody welcomed people to contact her should they be interested in attending the school and being shown around.

To receive a report and update.

Sally Hendry, Westbury Community Area Manager, presented the report on the harmonisation of car park charges across the county and the recent developments in Westbury.

Westbury Town Council had been negotiating with Wiltshire Council and an agreement had now been made to retain one hour’s free car parking in the town’s car parks. The Town Council had invested money in order to achieve this.

Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, reported that there were many anomalies with car park charges across the county which needed to be harmonised. A survey of the current charging structures across the county was being carried out at present and a draft report would follow. A public consultation would then take place on the subsequent proposals, and it was expected that this would begin in approximately six weeks’ time.

Councillor Tonge explained that public car parks were very expensive to operate due to costs such as resurfacing, enforcement and payment of business rates. He explained that Wiltshire Council did generate an excess in funds from car park charges, but that this subsidised local bus services. The local buses in Westbury were subsidised by £60,000, and the total cost of subsidising buses in the county was approximately £12million.

Councillor Tonge provided assurance that the matter would be brought back to the Area Board for consultation prior to implementation.

The following points were raised in the discussion that ensued:

·         Town Councillor Mike Hawkins stressed that every town was different and had differing needs, and urged that these differences were taken into account. He added that the larger towns had larger businesses compared to small towns such as Westbury, and the smaller units would be most affected.

·         Councillor Tonge stated that the proposal was to ‘band’ different sized towns. He also highlighted that all towns have their own arguments and so it was difficult to please every town.

·         In response to concern raised from a member of the public, Councillor Tonge assured the public that the consultation would be open to everyone, and that all members of the public would have the opportunity to put forward their views. Nothing would be implemented until April next year.

·         Councillor Hawker also added, in response to concern, that the proposals would be brought to the Area Board for consideration prior to any final decisions being made.

·         Concern was raised regarding the method of consultation, as the Car Parks Working Group had been under the impression that the consultants would talk to them directly about the issues. Councillor Tonge stated that it would be too costly for the consultants to talk to individuals, but that those with particular concerns would be contacted.

·         In response to a question from the Town Mayor, Councillor Tonge confirmed that any new proposals would be communicated to town and parish councils in plenty of time for precept setting.

Councillor Tonge introduced Bill Parks, who was the new Divisional Highways Manager, and stated that Bill had taken over all highways and amenities activities in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive a report and update.

Councillor Hawker introduced this item, which was a report on progress with the adoption by Wiltshire Council of public areas in the Leigh Park development. He explained that the development started 11 years ago and included approximately 1,100 homes in total.

Sally Hendry referred to the written report in the agenda pack which contained the background to this matter and outlined the present situation. The Leigh Park development was currently in a period of transition, and eventually all infrastructure such as roads, lights, parks, etc would be adopted and managed by Wiltshire Council.

Sally introduced Kevin Moore, a representative of Persimmon, and Steve Ibbetson, Technical Manager, who provided more detail on the present situation.

A map was on display which showed the different stages of construction on Leigh Park. Steve explained that some areas had already been adopted by Wiltshire Council and some areas were ready for inspection with adoption expected to take place in the near future. The areas that were still under construction were not due to be adopted until construction was complete.

If residents had any concerns they should contact Wiltshire Council if the area in question had already been adopted, or Persimmon if the area was currently not adopted. The map that was on display showed which areas had been adopted and which had not, and this could be scanned and made available after the meeting.

A number of questions and issues were raised:

·         One resident asked why only a double mini-roundabout had been adopted so far, and not more of Phase One. Kevin Moore informed them that this was the way it worked out, and that some things were quicker to adopt than others.

·         Councillor Hawker enquired as to the dates that the roads were expected to be adopted. Kevin stated that the main infrastructure roads were very close to adoption and should be completed within a matter of weeks. At present they were waiting for the final inspection of the street lights and then adoption would take place.

·         Kevin added that, with regards to the Fell Road area (the northern part of the development), there was no reason why adoption should not be complete with three months. Persimmon was working very closely with Wiltshire Highways on this. The southern area, however, was a bit more behind in terms of progression, but it was still hoped that adoption would be complete within the next year.

·         One resident expressed concern that no firm dates were being given and suggested that the Area Board requested firm dates from Persimmon. In response to this, Kevin stated that dates were given to Highways at their monthly meetings.

·         In response to the concern raised above, Councillor Hawker explained that a new contractor was in place now, and that Kevin was part of the solution in going forward. Bill Parks added that it was in the developer’s interests to progress adoption as soon as possible, because they remained responsible until adoption was complete.

·         A question arose regarding the 20mph speed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To receive a report and update.

Councillor Hawker introduced this item and explained that the full leisure review would be carried out by Wiltshire Council; not by the Area Board. He stated that this report was intended to brief the Area Board members and members of the public on the issues.

Sally Hendry outlined the content of the report which included the background to the pool and its history, statistics relating to the usage of the pool and costs, an analysis of the strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats, and a recommendation to note the report and decide how to take the issue forward.

Councillor Stuart Wheeler, Cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, referred to the meeting held on 8 April which was attended by 150-200 people. This had left little doubt about the level of local support for Westbury pool. Councillor Wheeler also stated that the report on the pool was an accurate reflection and that he would be particularly taking into account the ‘Westbury specific’ points that the report raised.

The following points were raised in the discussion that followed:

·         The report stated that it cost £65,000 per annum to run the pool, and last year there were 62,000 swimmers. At an average of £3 per swim, this should cover costs and more.

·         Clarification was sought on the management fee apportionment and what this meant.

·         It was enquired what the criteria would be that Wiltshire Council would use when judging whether to keep the pool open, and also how the criteria would be weighted.

In response to the above points, Councillor Wheeler stated that the review was not driven by financial factors but explained that it did cost £5million per annum to run the leisure facilities across Wiltshire. There was a need to review the facilities currently in place and check that they would be fit for purpose for the next 15 years. It was also important that facilities were in the right place and offered the right opportunities for their local communities. Councillor Wheeler also explained that the report had covered all of the criteria that would be applied during the review process.

·         Councillor Hawker sought clarification on the management fee figures and asked whether they were the net costs. Councillor Wheeler explained that the figures were the net costs that Wiltshire Council had to pay DC Leisure after all other income had been received.

·         Councillor Hawker also enquired whether there was any contingency in the budget, to which Councillor Wheeler stated that there was no contingency and that £5million was the total running cost.

·         Councillor Hawker asked whether the survey of Westbury pool had been complete. Robin Townsend, Head of Leisure, stated that the initial findings were available but had not been assessed yet. The full review would need to be complete before all of the figures and findings would be made available.

·         One member of the public enquired about Community Hubs/Trusts and asked whether more information would be made available on the rationale and benefits. Councillor Wheeler confirmed that more information  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To receive an update on those issues highlighted at the previous Area Board meeting and received online.

Issues can be raised online via the following link: http://tiny.cc/westbury2 or by contacting Sally Hendry, Community Area Manager, on01373 864714 or 07768 027265.

Sally Hendry explained that one of the main roles of the Area Board was to receive and deal with local issues. A table in the agenda pack showed the issues that had been reported to the Area Board and the actions that were being taken to resolve them.

a) Morrisons Car Park

One issue that was currently in progress was the safety of the exit from Morrisons car park. Sally had recently attended a meeting with Morrisons, a surveyor and a Highways manager and it was agreed that Morrisons would improve and refresh the road markings and signage in the area. One resident was concerned that this would not be enough to improve the safety of the area, as these measures were already in place and were ignored by some road users. Sally agreed to pursue this further and report back at a future meeting.

b) Matravers School – Road Safety

Another issue in progress was the concern that Matravers School students were not as safe as they should be on Springfield Road. Sally reported that a number of options to improve safety were being considered and more details would be reported at a future meeting.

c) Blue Plaque Project

Sally gave an update on the Blue Plaque Project, which was a Westbury Town Council led project to improve appreciation of tourism and heritage in the area. The project had come about as a result of an issue raised by Councillor Jenkins. The process was underway with regular meetings being held, however planning consent was required which made the process quite lengthy.

d) Oldfield Park

Councillor Hawker reported on the latest position with the Oldfield Park project. A comprehensive survey had been carried out in September and a vast amount of data had been collected. A report was in the process of being written and it was expected that an update would be available for the next meeting of the Area Board.

e) Wellhead Drove - Footpath

Sally commented on a recent issue that had been received regarding the footpath at Wellhead Drove, which was confirmed to be a public right of way. Signs had been erected by a local property owner that were potentially misleading, so the Rights of Way team was currently working with them to address this.

To consider any applications for funding from the Community Area Grants Scheme.

Two applications had been received for grant funding from the Community Area Grants Scheme.

Westbury Carers Support

An application was received for £1,000 for a six week training course aimed at carers in the Westbury area. The course would focus on healthy living.

Decision

The Area Board agreed to award the sum of £1,000 to Westbury Carers Support.

Reason

The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria for 2010/11 and would encourage people to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Westbury Youth Football Club

An application was received for £4,800 towards a £10,000 project to host a tournament and festival of football for up to 2000 boys and girls from within and outside the county. The funding was also being sought to promote football for girls involving a new playing strip and training kit.

Decision

The Area Board agreed to award the sum of £4,800 to Westbury Youth Football Club.

Reason

The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria for 2010/11 and would improve young people’s participation in positive activities.

There was no urgent business.

The next meeting of the Westbury Area Board will take place on Thursday 17 June, 7.00 pm at The Paragon Hall in Westbury.

Councillor Hawker thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and encouraged people to complete and return the feedback form.

A list of future meetings was included in the agenda and the next meeting would take place on Thursday 17 June 2010, 7.00pm at the Paragon Hall in Westbury.