Agenda and minutes

Declarations of interest were expressed by Cllrs Hawker, Jenkins and Cuthbert-Murray in respect of agenda item number 13, Grants.  As members of Westbury Town Council and the Area Board, they all had been granted dispensations to vote on grants relating directly to the Town Council.

To receive announcements on;

·       Westbury Forward Event – Update from the event

·       The Localism Act 2011 – Announcement in agenda pack

The Chairman thanked all the people who took part in the Westbury Forward event which was run jointly with the area board and the BA13 community area partnership. It was very well attended and a great opportunity to discuss the issues facing our community. Lots of ideas were put forward and priorities for action identified. We will have a full report on Westbury Forward at the April 19 area board at the Laverton.

The final draft of the core strategy is available for viewing and comment from Monday 20 February. This document sets out plans for the future of our community and includes housing allocation, industrial sites etc. Please take the opportunity to look at it at your local library or online and made your comments known. The consultation ends on 2 April.

The Chairman invited Cllr Dick Tonge, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to update the Board on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 15 February. He announced that;

·       There would be no increase to Council Tax

·       Wiltshire Council would be investing in

o   sheltered accommodation for the elderly

o   children’s care

o   roads

·       Additional funding would be made available for the Area Board Community Area Transport Group (CATG).  The process has worked exceptionally well.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Tonge for his update.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2011.

Decision

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to two minor amendments.

To receive any updates from partners – Parish and Town Councils, Police, Fire and Rescue Service, NHS, Community Area Young People’s Issues Group, Chamber of Commerce and BA13+Community Area Partnership.

Written updates are available in the agenda packs (pages 13 to 30 refer).

 http://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=173&MId=5412&Ver=4

Westbury Town Council

Cllr Sue Ezra from Westbury Town Council updated the board on the joint project with the Chamber of Commerce to challenge Wiltshire Councils Car parking charges.  She urged everyone to sign the petitions that are available for signature in the local shops within the Town.

She went on to explain that the Town Council has been in consultation with Westbury Rotarians with a view to cleaning the White Horse.  A detailed work plan needs to be submitted to English Heritage and the Town Council have been in contact with the specialist company who undertook the previous clean up of the horse.

There will also be a survey undertaken to find out what type of Market local residents would like, she would update the board when more details were available.

Chamber of Commerce

Cllr David Jenkins informed the Board that the Service Excellence Awards Grand Final would be taking place on 15 March with the winner receiving £1000 and £1000 of advertising from the Wiltshire Times.

He urged people to sign the petition against Wiltshire Councils Car parking charges and reminded those attending that the ‘Business Idea’ competition would be run again – further details would be available at a later date.

Community and Young Persons Issues Group (CAYPIG)

Members of CAYPIG updated the board, the main issues were

Multi-media room

Young people came up with the idea of developing a multi-media room within the Youth Development Centre some time ago because they want to have a facility where they participate in film making, photography, animation, music technology, other art forms, computer skill development and other media opportunities, during the evenings and weekends (out of school hours) but have no access to this equipment. Thorough planning took place, along with funding applications being submitted.  The group are turning a redundant room in the centre into a multi-media room, which will then benefit the community, specifically young people but also other groups. The group are completing ASDAN Activities, Arts Awards and Duke of Edinburgh Awards to reward them for their hard work and achievements, as well as participating in focused projects, in the main a local heritage project. A DVD film produced by young people showing how the grant was spent will be shown at a future Area Board. Most of the specialist equipment has been purchased and is being used. Furniture has to be ordered next so that the room can be set up and accessible at all times. The ceiling is being finished painted by contractors during February 2012 too.

Smoothy bar project

The smoothy bar project has been in existence for well over 18 months now and continues to grow and improve. The idea came from young people because they wanted more positive activities in the area and to showcase their skills to the community and portray young people in a positive light. The project comprises of a core group  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Inspector Winter explained the performance figures for Westbury and the surrounding villages reporting that there was 7% increase in total crime. This increase equates to 66 more offences/crimes, compared to what the Police had received at this same time last year.

She was disappointed that this was the case despite the huge amount of hard work that has gone on within the police and partner agencies including Neighbourhood Watch, Farm Watch and Horse Watch, which are the eyes and ears of the community. The increases are still in relation to offences of burglary, most of these incidents include forced entry into garages sheds and outbuildings especially at rural locations.

On a brighter note there has been a continued reduction in violent crime, so far this year there have been 40 fewer victims of assaults, that means fewer people have been injured.

Whilst this report brings mixed news regarding crime performance Westbury and its surrounding villages continues to be a safe place to live.

Wiltshire is constantly compared against 8 Forces of similar size and demography and regularly performs the best!

The Chairman asked if Anti-Social-Behaviour around the Market Place was still an issue. Inspector Winter explained that a lot of work had been undertaken with the Neighbourhood Policing Team and Pubwatch working closely together, she was pleased that at the moment there were no particular issues.  She also explained that  issues called in both through the 999 and 101 number were given a unique reference generated by an electronic system.  These can then be used for data purposes.  The unique reference or crime number would be given to the individual reporting the incident.

He thanked her for the update.

The Chairman introduced Lucy Murray Brown from the Change Transformation Programme team.

Lucy explained that the Campus programme was an innovative project based on investing to save in the longer term.  The campus proposals build on the principles established in the leisure review, conducted during 2010 which proposed investment into facilities across Wiltshire and the potential to transfer some facilities to local community management. The outcome of the leisure review is to be delivered via the Transformation Programme, through the development of campus proposals. The principles of the leisure review remain – the difference is that any transfer of management or responsibility will be done within the wider context of how potentially all campuses could be managed as opposed to separate solutions for each campus or leisure facilities. It is hoped this approach to transfer would ensure services are sustainable in the long term and it allows the Council to further test the proposal before committing to any transfer.

She went on to explain that a campus is a building, or buildings, in a community area that will provide the services the local community needs in an accessible location and that local community involvement would be critical to it’s success.

The aim is to reduce the long term financial, environmental and operational pressures on operating aging, low quality buildings with potential to co-locate with partner and voluntary organisations for example in Chippenham the Neighbourhood Policing Team have moved into Monkton Park sharing the building and reception.

The campus project enables the council to explore wide ranging innovative management and operational arrangements. The core criteria to all campus buildings include shared reception, community space, accessible IT provision, personal care facilities and catering facilities.  She stressed the importance of meeting the needs of people within the Westbury Community Area.

The first stage will be to set up the Westbury shadow Community Operations Board (COB).  The COB has the responsibility to help define the community need and make recommendations to the Area Board over facility specification and operations.  The COB is made up of 8 people from the community working within a defined terms of reference.  The membership will comprise of

·       Member of the Area Board

·       Local Town and Parish representative

·       Representative from education and young people

·       Community groups x 3

·       Wider community

·       Project Leader (Hannah Day – Wiltshire Council, non-voting member)

She explained that the COB work define the community need, meeting frequently, the role is both challenging and hard work.  An expression of interest form will be available on the Wiltshire Council website

 http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/communityandliving/communitycampuses/westburycommunitycampus.htm 

and a link will be forward out by the Community Area Manager via the Community Area Network (CAN) shortly.

The Chairman welcomed questions.

Would there be tranche of other Area Boards seeking campus approval after Westbury? Lucy explained that the Westbury Area Board chairman had asked for Westbury to be brought forward in the Campus timeframe and that there would be other areas seeking financial approval after Westbury.

Would youth services be considered within the campus proposal?  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Sally Hendry, Community Area Manager reminded everyone that issues can be reported to your local councillor or to her.  Also you can report your issues via www.wiltshire.gov.uk/areaboards

You can also track your issues there as well.

Current issues are;

·       Littering – Streetscene have been advised and a clear out of the stream at Bitham has been requested.

·       Speeding – Metro counts have been undertaken on the A350 in several places and the police are engaged.  There is potential now to set up a Community Speed Watch and to utilise Speed Indicator Devices (SIDS).

The Chairman asked Sally Hendry to update the Board on the outcomes of the Community Area Transport Group meeting held on the 20 January 2012.

Sally explained that at the meeting a variety of local transport issues were discussed including:

·       Painted pavement/junction improvements at Edington

·       New signage for walking/cycle routes between the town centre and the new primary care centre and between the station and the town centre.

·       Installation of dropped kerbs

·       Funding of bus stops for new bus route to primary care centre

Decision

That Westbury area board agree the recommendations of the CATG which were:

The Chairman asked Sally Hendry, Community Area Manager on the issues of dog fouling in Westbury and asked that people come forward with suggestions of what could be done to tackle this recurring issue!

She informed the meeting that there were approximately 8m dogs in the UK in 2010, producing approximately 1m metric tonnes of faeces each year.  The cost of clearing up this mess is significant and often falls to the taxpayer. Dog fouling was rated as the most problematic local environmental quality issue in England in 2009.   8% of sites surveyed by Keep Britain Tidy had dog fouling present.  Dog mess can take up to 2 months to break down.  Dog mess can contain a number of things which can make people ill and can cause toxocariasis – leading to cough, stomach pain,   headaches and swollen lymph glands and eye disorders.

Dog owners must, by law, pick up any mess made by their pets      in public places such as roads, footpaths, school playing fields, sports fields and parks.

Wiltshire Council enforcement officers can issue on-the-spot           fixed penalty notices and refer offenders for prosecution.  The legislation come from the  Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

What can we do?

The majority of dog owners act responsibly but there are still irresponsible owners who give the rest a bad name.

·       Pick up after your dog using a dog waste bag or just a supermarket carrier bag. Knot the bag and dispose of it in a litter bin (we do not have special dog waste bins anymore)

·       Dog waste bags are available free at the Heritage Centre and at         the Westbury Town Council offices (the town council spends £1500 each year on these)

·       Report offenders – just ring 01225 776655 and ask for dog warden service. Our dog wardens are happy to visit and remind people of their responsibilities.

·       Signs are available to remind and warn people about offence

The Chairman asked the meeting for it’s comments.

It was confirmed that the Town Council provides 150 bins in which dog mess can be placed once it is bagged.

It was felt strongly that people who were irresponsible should be made examples of.  Cllr Ezra from Westbury Town Council informed the meeting that there has to be absolute proof to prosecute, and that this was often difficult.

Action

To investigate if dogs can be banned from recreational areas such as Council owned sports facilities.

To investigate spraying dog mess in coloured spray paint so that it can be seen by pedestrians.

To request, that the dog warden patrols the Westbury area.

To investigate the legalities of citizens arrests in conjunction with owners letting their dogs foul in public places.

Claire Adams from Wiltshire Councils Communications Team informed the board of two key events taking place in Wiltshire.

•        Olympic Torch Route and;

•         The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

A real opportunity to;

•        Reinvigorate our local economy

•        Showcase what we have and what we do so well in Wiltshire

•        Promote our strong and vibrant community spirit

•        This was an opportunity for communities to showcase talent, history and diversity and hold local events or street parties

2012 Olympics

•        Wiltshire Council had worked with the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) to secure the Torch Relay in Wiltshire.

•        120 Torchbearers would cover 100 miles per day

•        This will include lunch time and evening events

•        There would be an evening event in Salisbury on 11 July 2011

•        The Olympic Torch will visit 15 towns in Wiltshire in May and July.

Tuesday 22 May 2012 – afternoon:

•        Southwick

•        Trowbridge

•        Bradford on Avon

Wednesday 23 May 2012 - morning

•        Chippenham

•        Calne

•        Marlborough

•        Royal Wootton Bassett - afternoon

Wednesday 11 July 2012 – afternoon and eve

•        Ludgershall

•        Tidworth

•        Amesbury

•        The Winterbournes

•        Salisbury – including evening event at Hudson’s Field

Thursday 12 July 2012 - morning

•        Salisbury –morning start from the Cathedral

•        Wilton

•        Barford St Martin

•        Fovant

•        Ludwell

Opportunities for celebrations and event:

•        Party or celebration for local Torch bearers

•        Queen’s Diamond Jubilee event for all communities at Salisbury Cathedral (+ Royal visit) – early May

•        1 Day business and community festival – Hudson’s Field, Salisbury – 11 July

•        Business breakfast event – 11 July

•        Music event – main stage – Hudson’s Field, Salisbury – 11 July

•        Salisbury evening event – 11 July

•        Torchbearers reception and presentation – 11 July

•        Local events or street parties across the county

What can the Council do to support these celebrations?

•        Raise awareness in our communities of what’s happening

•        Inspire involvement

•        Provide the opportunities to showcase local community groups

•        Provide support and assistance

•        Break down the barriers – make it easy!

•        Ensure communities are safe

•        Help to manage the media - provide lots of local stories and news

The Communications Team have toolkits available which will help you plan your event.  For any information/help/guidance and to let Wiltshire Council know what you are planning please email 2012celebrations@wiltshire.gov.uk

For all the latest information follow us on twitter @Wilts2012AYOC

The Chairman informed the board that a meeting was to be held to discuss Westbury’s part in the May 1 2012 event in Salisbury and that more details would be available in the White Horse News and the Area Board newsletter.

To consider applications for funding from the Community Area Grants Scheme including,

·       Westbury Town Council – Diamond Jubilee Celebrations - £5000

·       Dilton Marsh Leisure Development Group – To help fund leisure facilities in the village - £5000

·       Area Board Project Bid

Community Area Transport Group (CATG) - To help fund the construction of bus stops serving the routes to the primary care centre - £5000

·       Westbury Town Council – To help fund the White Horse clean up - £5000

·       Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall – To help fund replacement windows - £482

·       Bratton Recreation Ground Committee - Funding towards improvement of access to the facilities - £850

·       Dilton Marsh Flower and Handicraft Show  - Funding towards staging of show including judge fees, schedules, hall hire and purchase of tables - £392 

Cllr Hawker explained that the new Primary Care Centre off Mane Way at Leigh Park is expected to be complete by August 2012. Concerns have been raised by local residents about access to the new centre. Meetings have taken place between Wiltshire Council passenger transport officers, the Westbury Group practice and the area board as a result of which it is hoped a bus route will be diverted that can serve the centre. As a result of this, four new bus stops will be needed at a cost of £2,500 each. There is no funding available through passenger transport for this so area board councillors have mooted the idea of funding from three sources, namely the area board transport group (CATG), the community area boards grants fund, and the Westbury Town Council.

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £5000.

Reason        

This application demonstrates links to the needs of the Westbury community and was also raised at the recent Westbury Forward community planning event. It will benefit the whole community.   

Community Area Grants

Westbury Town Council application for £5,000 towards community celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee (Match funded)

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £5000.

Reason

The town council is planning a packed programme of events to celebrate the Jubilee with events for all ages. This application reflects just a small proportion of the overall costings on the celebrations which will include children’s party, entertainments, concert, beacon lighting, tea dance and a commemorative booklet. The project demonstrates links to the Local Agreement for Wiltshire ambition "Building Resilient Communities”.

Dilton Marsh Leisure Development Group application for £5,000 towards the development of a range of community leisure facilities in the village including trim trail.(Match funded)

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £5000.

Reason

Dilton Marsh currently has limited leisure facilities - a very outdated play area for under 12s and a football field, otherwise there are no facilities which support leisure of a physical nature for all age groups and individuals. With the approval (and match funding) of the Parish Council, this long term project aims to establish a hard surface Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), a fitness trail for all ages and an up to date young people's play area.  A shelter for youth socialising and for use by the wider community is also planned.  The project demonstrates links to the Local Agreement for Wiltshire ambition "Building Resilient Communities”.

Community Area Transport Group application for £5,000 towards the cost of construction of bus stops for route serving the new primary care centre. Note this is an area board led application.

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £5000.

Reason

Detailed within the CATG update – minute number item x.

Westbury Town Council application for £5,000 towards the cleaning of the Westbury White Horse in preparation for the Jubilee celebrations (match funded)

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £5000.

Reason

The horse is a famous local landmark, a tourist attraction, popular and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

The next meeting of the Westbury Area Board will be held on 19 April at the Laverton.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their contributions to the meeting.