Agenda and minutes

Chairman’s announcements:

a)     Mobile phone safety

b)     Winter weather – partnership working

c)      Local flood protection

d)     Dog control orders

e)     Waste consultation

f)        Census 2011

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the Westbury Area Board to be held at the Laverton. 

The Chairman introduced the Councillors and Officers present including Councillor Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, Cabinet member for Performance and Risk and Jeff James, Chief Executive NHS Wiltshire.

The Chairman made the following announcements,

a)     Mobile phone safety

Immobilise, UK national property register are running a scheme to protect your mobile phone.  Visit their website at www.immobilise.com.

b)     Winter weather – partnership working

Wiltshire Council is encouraging partnership working with local Councils. Register your Council’s interest with Sally Hendry, your local community manager (CAM) sally.hendry@wiltshire.gov.uk.

c)     Local flood protection

In order to help communities to protect themselves from flood risk, Wiltshire Council is introducing a scheme to supply gel sacs.  Town and Parish Councils wishing to purchase gel sacs or obtain further information should contact Sarah Peterson (sarah.peterson@wiltshire.gov.uk).

d)     Dog control orders

Dog Control Orders can be made by the Council regarding any land to which the public have a right of access.  In order to help frame the proposals that will go to a formal consultation process, please visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council/consultations.htm, further information is available from Simon Cleaver, Pest Control and Dog Warden Service Manager, simon.cleaver@wiltshire.gov.uk.

e)     Waste collection consultation

During the summer presentations were given to Area Boards about the Council’s proposals for changes to Wiltshire’s Waste Collection and recycling service.  The report and full set of results of the consultation can be seen on www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk/environment

f)       Census 2011

The Census has collected information about the population every ten years since 1801 (except 1941). The next census in England and Wales is on 27 March 2011.  For more information about the census please visit www.census.gov.uk.

Apologies for absence were received from; Kerry Eatwell, BA13+ Partnership, Sabina Edwards, Westbury Librarian, Ken Davis, Bratton Parish Council, Maxine Russell, Wiltshire Council, Shirley Rees, Dilton Marsh Community Day Centre and Julia Cramp, Service Director for Commissioning and Performance, Department of Education.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 19 August and Thursday 7 October, 2010.

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 August were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

Councillor Cuthbert-Murray requested that his vote against the decision was noted.

Decision

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

Councillors David Jenkins, Russell Hawker and Michael Cuthbert-Murray all declared prejudicial interests in Item 6 (Community Area Grant application from the Laverton Trust) as they were all dual-hatted members of Westbury Town Council and Wiltshire Council. However, they had all been granted dispensations by the Standards Committee which enabled them to speak and vote on the matter.

Councillor Hawker declared a prejudicial interest, a member of the Society in items 7 (Community Area Grant application for Westbury Heritage Society) and item 10 (Community Area Grant application for BA13+ Community Area Partnership) as the Area Boards representative. Councillor Hawker would leave the room for the consideration of these items.

The Cabinet representative, Councillor Fleur De Rhe-Philipe will give an overview of her Cabinet responsibilities for Finance, Performance and Risk, the Comprehensive Spending Review - what it will mean for Westbury.

Councillor Fleur de Rhe-Philipe introduced herself and outlined her role as Cabinet member for Finance, Performance and Risk, ‘looking after the pennies’ and ensuring funds were spent appropriately. 

Councillor de Rhe-Philipe emphasised that Wiltshire Council was better placed than the majority of councils to deal with the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) and that the intention was to be able to invest in social services, leisure facilities and in the economy.  She went on to clarify that the number of managerial posts that would be lost by the end of the financial year would be 240.  She  explained that the 28% cuts that needed to be made, would not be spread over 4 years, as previously expected and that the cuts would be ‘front loaded’ into the first 2 years.  She explained that it was difficult to give concrete answers as the final figure for the grant from government was not known yet but it was expected soon.

Councillor de-Rhe Philipe reassured those present that there was no intention to raise Council tax next year, and as far as possible front line services would be protected.  However, investment, may have to slip a year or two depending on the outcome of the review.

Several questions on the redundancy packages under the Local Government Review that harmonised the 5 Councils into 1 Unitary Council were raised.  Councillor de Rhe-Philipe, stressed that the decision to elect a new Chief Executive for the Unitary Council was a Government Directive, and that redundancy packages matched the terms and conditions of the various District Councils

To provide the Area Board with feed back on the consultation undertaken.

In 2010/11 Westbury Area Board has been allocated £10,320 for small scale transport schemes to be progressed in Westbury Community Area.  The Community Area Transport Group (CATG) made the following recommendations to the board for their approval.

1.                  Oldfield Road – widening of narrow footway at the Station Road end,

2.                  A3098 Tower Hill, Dilton Marsh – footway/pedestrian safety measures and investigation of existing traffic calming measures,

3.                  Oldfield Park – lack of parking and dangerous parking causing road safety issues.

Decision

To agree the proposal made by the CATG.

To receive updates from partners – Parish and Town Councils, Fire and Rescue Service, NHS, BA13+ Community Area Partnership, and Chamber of Commerce.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

Update from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue was included in the agenda at pages 65 to 66.

NHS Wiltshire

Update from NHS Wiltshire for November was included in the agenda at pages 67 to 69.

Police

Update from Sector Commander Inspector Dave Minty was included in the agenda at pages 71 to73.

Westbury Town Council

Cllr Mitchell reported that the Christmas lights switch on event was a great success and that all the planned Christmas events in and around the Westbury area were detailed in the Christmas brochures.

Laverton Institute Trust

Cllr Andrews updated the board on the progression of the Laverton project.  Phase 1 has now been completed most notably the lift which gives disabled access.  Phase 2 will include the refurbishment of the hall including new audio and visual equipment.  Cllr Andrews was pleased to announce a £90,000 grant from Plain Action.  Cllr de Rhe-Philipe expressed how impressed Plain Action had been with the associated presentation that helped secure the funding.

BA13+ Community Area Partnership (CAP)

Reverend Jonathan Burke Chairman of BA13+CAP updated the Area Board.  The main focus of work for the CAP continues to be the Community Plan, with the intention to visit a wide range of organisations and networks to ensure that the Plan is ‘joined up’ piece of work that accurately reflects the aspirations and plans for the area in a realistic way.  The topics which the plan embraces are wide - ranging and include:

• Young people, education, skills and learning
• Environment
• Transport
• Housing
• Community Safety
• Health and Well-being
• Culture and Leisure

The next BA13+ CAP meeting will be held on Wednesday 19 January 2011, at 7.30pm at Grassacres, Westbury.

Westbury Chamber of Commerce – The Chairman reminded everyone that a competition was available for those who had started a new business after 25 September 2009 or are planning to start trading before 3 August 2011.  For more information follow the link.

http://www.wessexchambers.org.uk/competitions.asp

Cllr de Rhe-Philipe informed people about Plain Action, a rural development programme running until December 2013.  It operates across the Salisbury Plain area and into part of Hampshire, and has a budget of £2.5m.  It is a ‘Local Action Group’ made up of local people and seeks to  develop skills through learning and training, promotion and support of small businesses and employment, and strengthening communities. For further information www.plainaction.org.uk.

To receive a presentation and DVD from CAYPIG members detailing to the Area Board their activities.

The Community Area Young People’s Issues Group presented to the Area Board an impressive and positive DVD which illustrated current CAYPIG issues which they are working on which was supported by a verbal update from the members of the group.  The current projects being undertaken are;

• Smoothy Bar Project – A small group of young women came up with the business idea of hosting a Smoothy bar initially at the Youth Development Centre and building on this by becoming involved in community events such as the Christmas Event and summer Street Fare.  Individuals have gained a Level 2 in Food Safety and Hygiene and two members have been nominated for and successful in achieving a Young people’s Achievement Awards through Wiltshire Council.
• Leisure Credits – Is an idea which involves young people carrying out community work and in return being given credits which can be exchanged for activities such as ice-skating, cinema and bowling.  
• Multi-media room – A redundant room within the Youth Development Centre will be developed into a multi media centre so that young people can participate in film making, photography, animation, and other art and media opportunities during the evenings and weekends.  Funding applications have been submitted and the young people have produced innovative plans and are waiting to hear whether funding is available so that work can commence.  
• Young People’s Transport Scheme – This scheme is being developed to benefit group members living in outlying areas and villages, who feel isolated and cut off from the town centre.  Research has been undertaken which supports improving the accessibility for young people in rural locations.  A pilot scheme is being developed which will enable young people to be transported into Westbury a couple of times of week using a minibus taxi from a local provider and the Youth Development Centre’s MPV people carrier.  The Area Board and  BA13+CAP are supporting this project.

The Chief Executive Wiltshire PCT will give an overview on the way in which Wiltshire PCT is changing specifically in respect of the Comprehensive Spending Review, changes to the Local Authority Performance Arrangements and the financial boost for carers.

Jeff James started his update to the Area Board with the positive news of 0.1 of 1% additional cash for the region. However he explained that overall the population is ageing and there would be a need to spend more money on new drugs.  His role was to look critically on how all the money is spent on our behalf.  Typically Wiltshire residents are healthier and use hospitals less than other counties, but when Wiltshire residents do have to stay in hospital they stay longer, on average 2 days, for 10 – 11 days.  Jeff is concentrating on what is needed to be done to improve this and this will be the focus for the next four years, fewer beds being used in the main hospitals of Bath, Swindon and Salisbury.

The changes, that the Government is making has three components as far as the Primary Care Trust is concerned.  During the course of this year staff who are currently employed providing services direct to patients will transfer to other organisations.  During the following year he will be working with GPs who will be the new commissioners of services, the people who plan and pay for them.  Also public health, the promotion of good health will be transferred to local authorities.  By 2013 the PCT will no longer be in existence.  These changes should not directly affect the individual patient.  Although as the idea of choice  for the patient grows, people may be selective over which practice they chose to use.  You and your GP will be able to discuss the care you need and where is the best place for you to undertake this care.  In short the GP will hold the budget but decisions will be made in partnership with you the patient.

Jeff explained that there would be funding for respite for carers, enabling carers to take a break, the budget allocation £400m is expected but further details of this package have not yet been released.

Jeff reiterated that overall there were no plans for the use of Westbury hospital and once all the services that were currently being undertaken were moved to the new building, under government policy the site would be disposed of.

To receive a presentation from Wayne Smith, Customer Services Operations Manager.

Wayne Smith, from Wiltshire Council Customer Services introduced a DVD which described Wiltshire Council’s intention to increase the range of services delivered in customers’ homes and business premises. Increasing the services offered in the community is a process and not all services will be delivered immediately.  Many of the services affected are currently reviewing their operations, in order to deliver savings as part of the current spending review.

Area Boards are asked to recommend local venues in their areas  that can be used for face to face meetings.  Recommendations will be collated and reported back to Area Boards in January 2011.

To receive an update from Inspector Dave Minty, Divisional Commander, Wiltshire Police.

Inspector Dave Minty updated the Area Board on Anti Social Behaviour in Westbury. Currently there is 1 ASBO in effect and this has had a marked effect on the behaviour of others.  He went on to reassure the Area Board that the Police take constant low level disorder that damages or destroys another person’s quality of life very seriously, however he can’t take any action unless this type of crime, which many people consider as not worth reporting is reported.  Again he stressed that ASB statistics are low and are getting lower.

He reported that crime reduction has improved, with 9.8% and 34.8% reduction in violent crime and dwelling burglaries respectively. 

Crime prevention advice can be obtained from the local NPT or the Wiltshire Police website www.wiltshire.police.uk .

To receive updates on those issues highlighted at the previous Area Board meeting and received online including:

• Leisure – updates on Westbury swimming pool’s listed status and from Westbury Leisure Alliance
• Preserving Westbury landscape, protecting the Wellhead Valley
• Primary Care Centre update
• Proposed changes to warden service to residents in sheltered care
• Other issues update

The Area Board received updates from the following:

 Westbury Leisure Alliance – The group has been in dialogue with the Council requesting detailed information on historical performance and finance details, however there are still details missing and the Council have written to DC Leisure to fill in the blanks, but without a complete picture, decisions cannot be made. The group plan to send a letter to cabinet members prior to their Cabinet meeting on 14th December.  The letter to cabinet members will say to Wiltshire Council members, that Westbury residents don’t want the Council to pass the facilities in Westbury over to a local trust. The people of Westbury want the Council to continue to run Westbury leisure facilities. The letter will also highlight the importance and national significance of Westbury Swimming Pool, which was recently designated as a Grade II listed building. It will also emphasise the problems of running two facilities on separate sites, and the problems the pool will have in generating revenue.

Preserving Westbury Landscape – The Area Board received a paper detailing the history and the current legislation that is in place regarding the Wellhead Valley. The Board also received a request for the Board to take action to ensure that the landscape is protected in a positive way through the designation of an Area of Outstanding natural Beauty order.  In light of the strength of feeling regarding this topic, the Chair suggested that it should be brought to the next meeting, as an agenda item, where Council officers would be present to answer questions and provide guidance.

Primary Care Centre – Planning permission has been agreed for the new Primary Care Development, with the tendering process about to start and building to commence sometime in the Spring.  The new facility will provide a wide range of services including an x-ray department, a stand-by point for a dedicated ambulance, which will cut response times and a minor surgery unit.

Proposed changes to Warden service to Residents in Sheltered Care – Following recent articles in the news and on the radio it is proposed that there could be changes to warden services – i.e. the bringing together of all the existing care and support service arrangements to meet the full range of customer needs could be implemented by Wiltshire Council as from April 2011.  This would refer to Selwood housing residents, disabled and elderly who live in sheltered accommodation such as Field Close and Bell Orchard.  The idea behind this is to produce a more cost effective and improved solution to their needs.  A briefing paper is being prepared and will go to Wilshire Council cabinet in the New Year. We will keep you updated.

Other issues update – Sally updated the Area Board with a brief update on ongoing issues that she has been dealing with:

·        Traffic issues in conjunction with Heywood Parish Council

·        Tree Planting – Leigh Park

·        Completion of the work in Springfield Road, ensuring a safer environment for Matravers pupils,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To consider any applications for funding from;

a)     Community Area Grant Scheme – to consider any applications for funding from this scheme.

b)     Transport Pilot Scheme

The final funding applications will be considered at the next Area Board for this financial year.  There remains £11712 in the Westbury Area Board budget for 2010/11.

Councillors considered 10 applications for Community Area Grants, as follows:

1.       An application has been received from Bratton Recreation Ground for £1250, for the purchase of a high quality mower for grounds maintenance to be undertaken by local community members.

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £1250 to Bratton Recreation Ground.

Reason

The application met the Community Area Grants criteria 2010/11 and linked to Wiltshire Council’s priorities of engaging with local people; increasing numbers in volunteering; encouraging healthy lifestyle changes; improving young people’s participation in positive activities.

2.       An application has been received from Jubilee Close and Haynes Road Residents Association for  £990 to fund the purchase and erection of Christmas lights.  Westbury Town Council has agreed to store and erect the lights in future years.

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £990 to Jubilee Close and Haynes Road Residents Association.

Reason

The application met the Community Area Grants criteria 2010/11 and linked to Wiltshire Council’s priorities of engaging with local people and increasing numbers involved in volunteering.

3.       An application has been received from Dilton Marsh Community Day Centre for £262 to help fund a Christmas party and entertainment for elderly residence.

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £262 to Dilton Marsh Community Day Centre.

Reason

The application met the Community Area Grants criteria 2010/11 and linked to Wiltshire Council’s priorities of engaging with local people and increasing numbers involved in volunteering.

4.      An application has been received from Bratton History Society for £200 to help fund the creation of an online archive of Bratton history.

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £200 the Bratton History Society.

Reason

The application met the Community Area Grants criteria 2010/11 and linked to Wiltshire Council’s priorities of engaging with local people and increasing numbers involved in volunteering.

5.       An application has been received from Westbury Town Council  for £757 to fund the purchase and erection of three flagpoles and flags by the Town’s War Memorial.

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £757 to Westbury Town Council.

Reason

The application met the Community Area Grants criteria 2010/11 and linked to Wiltshire Council’s priorities of engaging with local people; increasing numbers involved in volunteering and increasing tourism.

6.       An application has been received from the Laverton Trust for £4992 to help fund the modernisation of kitchen facilities at the Laverton.

Decision

Westbury Area Board awarded the sum of £4992 to the Laverton Trust.

Reason

The application met the Community Area Grants criteria 2010/11 and linked to Wiltshire Council’s priorities of engaging with local people; increasing numbers involved in volunteering; increasing tourism and economic viability of the town.

7.      An application has been received from Westbury Blues n Zues for £294 to help fund transport to boost attendance at a series of Blues n Zues events which are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

The next meeting of the Westbury Area Board will take place on Thursday 3 February 2011, 7.00 pm at Bratton Village Hall, Bratton. The Forward Plan indicates provisional future agenda items.

The next meeting of the Westbury Area Board will be held on Thursday 3 February 2011 at the Jubilee Hall, Melbourne Street, Bratton.

A forward plan indicating future agenda items was included in the agenda at page 83.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and contributing to the meeting.  The meeting closed at 9.25pm