Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Westbury Area Board and introduced;

·                Cllr Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Strategic Planning and

·                Mr Angus MacPherson, Police & Crime Commissioner.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Michael Franklin, Mr Tony Nye and Cllr Francis Morland.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2012.

Decision

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 December 2012 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 of interest.

Chairman’s Announcements can be discussed and members of the public can ask questions but they are not an item on the agenda open for debate;  officers / people with the knowledge on the subject are not usually present to answer questions or provide additional information.

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However members of the public do have an opportunity to ask for any further information to be included as an item for a future agenda.

(a)          Wiltshire Online: Connectivity & Provision

The Wiltshire Online Programme aims to bring availability of standard and superfast broadband to homes and businesses across the county. 

The main aims of the programme are:

·         A minimum of 85%, hopefully up to 95% of premises being able to access superfast broadband by 2015

·         All premises to have access to a minimum broadband service of 2Mbps by 2015. 

Further information is included in the agenda pack.

(b)          Legacy for Wiltshire

2012 has been an overwhelming success for Wiltshire and it was wonderful to see our communities come together and celebrate. The community spirit and sense of pride that was apparent across the county was unique, and to see more than half our population attend the events just shows what we can achieve when we work together.

Further information is included in the agenda pack, including details of a series of community evening events to provide a forum to share ideas and plans.

(c)          Digital Literacy

Wiltshire Council recognises that access to online services is becoming increasingly essential to residents, businesses and organisations from the third sector.  The importance of good, reliable connectivity and the ability to use online services with confidence are central themes to the Wiltshire Online programme.

Further information is included in the agenda pack.

(d)          Forthcoming Launch of the Westbury Dog Fouling Awareness Campaign  

The Chairman will report at the meeting.

The Chairman made the following announcements:-

(a)          Wiltshire Online: Connectivity & Provision

The Wiltshire Online Programme aimed to bring availability of standard and superfast broadband to homes and businesses across the county. 

The main aims of the programme were:

·         A minimum of 85%, hopefully up to 95% of premises being able to access superfast broadband by 2015

·         All premises to have access to a minimum broadband service of 2Mbps by 2015. 

(b)          Legacy for Wiltshire

2012 had been an overwhelming success for Wiltshire and it was wonderful to see our communities come together and celebrate. The community spirit and sense of pride that was apparent across the county was unique, and to see more than half our population attend the events just showed what we could achieve when we worked together.

Further information was included in the agenda pack, including details of a series of community evening events to provide a forum to share ideas and plans.

(c)          Digital Literacy

Wiltshire Council recognised that access to online services was becoming increasingly essential to residents, businesses and organisations from the third sector.  The importance of good, reliable connectivity and the ability to use online services with confidence were central themes to the Wiltshire Online programme.

(d)          Forthcoming Launch of the Westbury Dog Fouling Awareness Campaign  

Sally Hendry reported that a poster campaign would be launched on Saturday 16 February 2013 in High Street, Westbury in collaboration with Westbury Town Council and at which there would be facilities for free microchipping of dogs.   She also explained that there would be a large print run of the posters which would enable them to be distributed in the neighbouring villages. Furthermore, arrangements were being made for the campaign to be publicised in the Whitehorse News.

Peter Smith, a resident of Westbury Leigh, considered that extra bins were needed in Westbury Leigh for dog litter to which it was explained that this could be deposited in any litter bin and not just those provided for this particular purpose.  Cllr Russell Hawker informed the meeting that the needs of the villages had not been forgotten and there were ongoing discussions with the local manager of Tesco about the provision of extra bins.  Keith Harvey, Westbury Town Clerk also reported that an additional bin for Westbury Leigh was due to be provided.

Inspector Lindsey Winter will introduce the new Westbury beat manager, PCGavin Hucks and present her update report on Westbury policing. (Copy attached)

The Area Board received an update from Wiltshire Police which was presented by Inspector Lindsey Winter.

She reported that the new beat manager for Westbury was PC Gavin Hucks uho unfortunately was not able to attend the meeting.  There had been little change in the Local Neighbourhood Policing Team which was to be encouraged as it provided some stability and gave the public the opportunity to get to know the officers and their names.

Inspector Winter explained that the statistical information showed a reduction in crime in all areas since the previous year.  However, there was still a significant problem regarding car crimes and it was acknowledged that the public still needed to be reminded not to leave valuable articles on show inside their unattended vehicles.  Inspector Winter stated that it was the custom of police officers to bring this important point to the attention of the public at every opportunity and to place leaflets under windscreen wipers where appropriate. 

To receive a presentation from Angus MacPherson, Police and Crime Commissioner, regarding the draft Police and Crime Plan.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Angus Macpherson, Police & Crime Commissioner who gave a presentation in which he explained that from 18 February 2013, he was seeking views on his first Police and Crime Plan, to set out the strategic policing and crime priorities for the next five years in Wiltshire and Swindon. He stressed the importance of community involvement and commended the valuable work undertaken by the various neighbourhood Watch Groups. Information about the Plan and the opportunity to comment was on the Police and Crime Commissioner website: www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk.

A report by Julie Locks, Victim & Witness Development Officer, explaining the work of Victim Support is attached.

The Chairman introduced Julie Locks, Victim & Witness Development Worker,  and welcomed her to the meeting. She presented a report explaining the work of Victim Support and how it could help those people living in the Westbury area.

She explained that Victim Support offered a free and confidential service to all victims of crime and stated that although the majority of referrals came from the police, there were a significant number of people who did not report a crime or who initially did not want any support.  Support could be provided to anyone affected by crime, even if they were not the victim. Support could also be provided to a victim of a historic crime.

Julie Locks asked for help from members of the public to encourage community groups to invite Victim Support representatives to give talks at their meetings. She also asked for suggestions on how to raise the profile of the charity and identify and communicate her message by contacting the local Victim Support office on 01380 738878 or Wiltshire@victimsupport.org.uk and asking for Julie Locks or Katie Maclean.

A report providing an update on progress with the adoption of amenity land at  Leigh Park, Westbury by Steve Ibbetson, Technical Services Manager, is attached.

Consideration was given to a report by Ian Brown, Head of Environment Services which updated the Area Board on progress made with the adoption of amenity land on the Leigh Park development.

Cllr Russell Hawker explained that the Area Board had previously requested regular updates on progress with adopting amenity land on Leigh Park and commended the officers for the speed in which much of the amenity land adoption had taken place.  He further explained that 75% of the new roads had been adopted by the Council as Highway Authority and it was anticipated that the remaining 25% was likely to be adopted by the end of 2013.  However, with regard to open spaces, progress had been somewhat slower due to delays in demonstrating proof of title.  Further progress reports would be presented to the Area Board at regular intervals.

A report by the Community Area Manager is attached.

On considering a report by the Community Area Manager,

AGREED:  To support the recommendations of the Community Area Transport Group (CATG)

(1)          To fund £6,000 for the creation of a new dropped kerb crossing point on Mane Way to the White Horse Health Centre and for widening of the footpath, it being noted that Westbury Town Council would fund the dropped kerbs.

(2)          To fund £1,000 for horse stiles and kissing gates to help alleviate access problems caused by quadbiking.  

Reflecting and acting on local concerns, Westbury Area Board is planning an intensive awareness and publicity campaign to ensure that local people have more details and understanding of this bus service that serves the town centre and nearby facilities including the White Horse Health Centre and the post office. Details are set out in the attached report. 

Consideration was given to a report by the Community Area Manager from which it was noted that an intensive awareness and publicity campaign was being planned by the Area Board, acting on local concerns in order to ensure that more details and understanding of the Westbury Weaver Bus route between the town centre and nearby facilities including the White Horse Health Centre and the Post Office.  Full details of the service together with an action plan for an awareness campaign, as set out in the report, were explained and after some discussion,

AGREED:

(1)          To approve the action plan for an awareness campaign.

(2)          To note that the funding of the action plan would be considered later in the meeting, together with other grant applications.

(3)          To request the production of a progress report to the August 2013 meeting of the Area Board.

A short presentation will be given by Matthew Woolford, Communications Account Manager on this launch.

A short presentation on the launch of the Community Blogsite was made by Matthew Woolford, Communications Account Manager.

He explained that a new online community site for Westbury and surrounding villages had just been launched called Our Community Matters.  This fully interactive site would provide local people and organisations with a free way of sharing news, events and information and was available to visit and upload at http://westbury.ourcommunitymatters.org.uk/ .

To note the written reports and receive any updates from the following:-

Fire and Rescue Service

NHS Wiltshire

Wiltshire Involvement Network (WIN)

Shadow Community Operations Board

Parish and Town Councils

Chamber of Commerce

BA13+ (Westbury) Community Area Partnership

The Area Board received the following partner and community update reports:-

·         Fire and Rescue Service

·         NHS Wiltshire

·         Wiltshire Involvement Network (WIN)

·         Shadow Community Operations Board – Revd. Jonathan Burke reported that the first stage of public consultation was nearing completion and the responses gathered from across the Community Area would be analysed.  The exercise had given local people an opportunity to indicate their views on the services and facilities that might be part of a Campus for the area and whether one or more sites would best meet the local needs and provision.  As the results became available, it would be possible to begin shaping proposals which could be presented to the Area Board and put out for further public consultation.  It was important to engage with as many local people as possible at every stage of the process.  The timetable for the next stage was likely to be influenced by the forthcoming Local Elections. He would provide a further update at the next Area Board meeting in June.

·          BA13+ Community Area Partnership – Carole King reported that the next Partnership meeting was due to take place on Wednesday 13 February 2013 in the Laverton starting at 7.30pm at which Debbie Riddiford, Practice Manager from the White Horse Health Centre,  would be attending for a discussion on Health and Housing.   

A report by the Community Area Manager is attached.

The Board received a report by the Community Area Manager which provided a review of the Area Board’s work and achievements since it was established in 2009.  The meeting was reminded that area boards were established in 2009 as a new way of working in Wiltshire in order to bring local decision making back into the heart of the community.

As this was the last meeting in the current cycle before the Local Elections in May, the Chairman thanked the Members and Officers for their contribution to the work of the Board over the last four years.

To consider applications for funding from the Community Area Grants Scheme:-

a            Publicity campaign to raise awareness of Westbury Weaver bus service  - cost £235.

b            Purchase and installation of three information display boards at the White Horse viewing area on the B3098 – cost £2,500.  

c            Westbury Area Wellbeing Group for £350 to fund the set up of Tai Chi classes for the elderly.

d            Extended Services (Schools) to fund a Pupils Voice conference and for the purchase of six camcorders for use in ongoing consultation and awareness project with local schools.

e            BA13+ Community Area Partnership - £3,500 to fund ongoing running costs of partnership and activities.

f             1^st Westbury Guides for £210 to fund the purchase of sweatshirts for international conference..

g            Horse stiles and kissing gates - £991 to fund the purchase and installation on rights of way.

Consideration was given to a report by the Community Area Manager in which councillors were asked to consider applications for funding from the 2012/13 Area Board Grants Budget.  She then explained each application in turn.

(a)          Publicity campaign to raise awareness of Westbury Weaver

bus service - cost £235.

Decision

To approve a grant of £235 to raise awareness of the Westbury Weaver bus service.

Reason

Many concerns had been raised by local people about confusion around the new routes of the Westbury Weaver bus service – it was rerouted in September 2012 to serve the new White Horse Health Centre. Following a meeting of area board members and relevant council officers it was decided to launch a publicity and awareness campaign to encourage better awareness and use of the service.

(b)          Purchase and installation of five information display boards at the White Horse viewing area on Road B3098 and at open land off The Mead – cost £3,758.

Decision

To approve a grant of £3,758 for the purchase and installation of three information display boards at the White Horse viewing area on Road B3098 and two information boards on open land off The Mead.

Reason

The B3098 viewing area is a frequent stopping off point for visitors and tourists At present there is only one old and extremely worn information board on site. The creation and installation of new updated boards will boost awareness of our history and heritage and will encourage visitors to further explore our community thus having a beneficial effect on the local economy. The installation of new boards is especially appropriate given that the White Horse has recently been subject to a well publicised clean up – which the Area Board helped fund and support.  The area off The Mead is a popular walking area with lakes, footpaths and seating.  The interpretation boards could help inform visitors about flora, fauna and birdlife.

(c)       Westbury Area Wellbeing Group for £350 to fund the set up

of Tai Chi classes for the elderly.

Decision

To approve a grant of £350 to fund the set up of Tai Chi classes for the elderly.

Reason

To form a group of mainly retired people who wish to make painless, no strain efforts at keeping fit both mentally and physically with simple movements that help those with breathing conditions, suitable for those with mobility problems, tai-chi being known for gentle movements.

(d)           Extended Services (Schools) to fund a Pupils Voice

conference and for the purchase of six camcorders for use in ongoing consultation and awareness project with local schools.

Decision

To approve a grant of £650 to fund a Pupils Voice conference and for the purchase of six camcorders for use in ongoing consultation & awareness project with local schools.

Reason

The Voices project would be ongoing and a group of pupils would report back to a future Area Board meeting with the views and findings from fellow pupils.  This in turn could help influence grant funding and could initiate relevant projects.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To note that the next meeting of the Area Board is due to be held on Thursday 13 June 2013 at The Paragon Hall, Haynes Road, Westbury, starting at 7.00pm.

To note that the next meeting of the Area Board was due to be held on Thursday 13 June 2013 at The Paragon Hall, Haynes Road, Westbury, starting at 7.00pm.