Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Westbury Area Board.

He introduced and welcomed Cllr Jerry Wickham, the newly elected Councillor for the Ethandune Ward and hoped that he would find his membership of this Area Board both interesting and rewarding.

Apologies for absence were received from:

Cllr Francis Morland – Dilton Marsh & Heywood Parish Councils

Mike Franklin – Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service

Revd. Dai Davies - Crosspoint

Keith Harvey – Town Clerk, Westbury Town Council

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 6 February 2014.

Decision

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman, subject to the following amendment:-

Min. No. 8 – A Campus for Westbury – last sentence before the decision to read:-

“After further discussion, during which the Chairman suggested that the COB consider the inclusion of the Youth Centre in Option 1,”

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

Cllr Gordon King declared a personal interest in all matters concerning the BA13+ Community Area Partnership as his wife was Chairman of the Partnership.

To note the following items for information – written briefing notes are available in the full agenda pack, or online. If you would like the Area Board to consider or discuss any of these items in more detail, please speak with the Community Area Manager or the Democratic Services Officer.

(a)          Dementia Strategy

(b)          Library Memory Groups

(c)          Safe Places

(d)          Closure of Mini Recycling Sites

The Chairman made the following announcements:-

(a)       Dementia Strategy – A draft dementia strategy for Wiltshire had been developed and a consultation process had been launched in mid February lasting for three months.

The draft strategy had been agreed by Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet and the Governing Body of NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group in January and these organisations would be inviting people with an interest in dementia, whether through personal or professional experience, to contribute their comments and viewpoints.

A copy of the Strategy and the consultation documents can be found on Wiltshire Council’s website using the following link.

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council/consultations/consultationwiltsdementiastrategy.htm 

(b)       Library Memory Groups – Four new library memory groups had been started in January 2014 for people with memory loss and dementia and their carers in Pewsey, Purton, Warminster and Mere.

Sessions were free of charge and were run on a weekly basis.  A session was taking place at Warminster Library, Three Horseshoes Walk, Warminster, BA12 9BT on Wednesdays between 11.30am and 1.00pm. 

(c)     Safe Places - This was a nationwide project to enable people with learning disabilities to deal with any incident that took place whilst they were out and about in the community. Incidents could range from harassment or bullying to just needing directions. The scheme operated by having shops and other premises displaying a “Safe Places Scheme” badge where people with learning disabilities could seek refuge and receive assistance.  This scheme would be backed by funding from the Police & Crime Commissioner.

(d)       Closure of Mini Recycling Sites – All mini recycling sites in Wiltshire would close on 5 May 2014 and the bins would be removed from the sites shortly afterwards.  The sites collected materials that were already collected through the black box kerbside service which was therefore a duplication of service provided.  The use of these sites had declined dramatically over recent years, as the Council had invested more in kerbside collections; 36,000 tonnes of dry recyclables were collected through the kerbside service the previous year, compared with less than 3,000 tonnes collected via the mini recycling centres.

Householders could have up to two black boxes for their glass bottles and jars, magazines and telephone directories, food and drinks cans and textiles. Any excess recycling could be placed out in carrier bags (one material type per carrier bag but mixed materials may not be collected).  Residents unable to manage black boxes could be offered smaller black baskets with handles.

Sites would be regularly cleaned after the containers had been removed in order to manage any littering or flytipping that might occur in the short term.  

Communities across Wiltshire are being consulted on what youth activities they would like in their local communities as part of a wide-ranging review.  Cllr Richard Gamble, Portfolio Holder for Schools, Skills and Youth, will present details of the review being undertaken.

Cllr Richard Gamble, Portfolio Holder for Schools, Skills & Youth gave a presentation on the Youth Activity Review currently being undertaken. 

He explained that the presentation had been requested by the Area Board to draw attention to the formal consultation process and to seek the views of the local community. He stated that his presentation would cover:

•      Background to Review

•      The need for change

•      The key drivers

•      The four proposed options

•      The consultation process – how to feedback

•      Future provision – the aims and outcomes

•      Questions and answers

Background Information

•      Report to Cabinet – 21 January

•      Need to respond to changing needs of young people

•      10 years since service established

•      Lives of young people changed considerably

•      Need to target support to those that need it most

•      Currently minority of young people access council provision

•      Many others access voluntary, community or commercial outlets

•      Campuses  provide new opportunities - first campus opens in Corsham - June 2014

•      Budget set 25 Feb – Integrated Youth Service projected saving of approx £191,000

Why do we need to review?

•      Statutory duty to secure access to leisure-time activities for young people

•      Currently, provided through a range of services including open access youth development service across the county -  mix of centre and street-based youth work

•      Department for Education updated statutory guidance:-

•      new focus for councils - to enable services, rather than direct provision

•      enhanced role for voluntary and community sector

Current youth activities in the Westbury Community Area

•      Number of young people – 1,689

•      Amount allocated for young people initiatives 2012/13 - £4,043 – actual spend £13,310

Projects supported include;

•       Keep fit activity equipment in Grassacres Park

•      Minibus for Air Cadets

•      Skate ramp in Bratton

•      Outdoor leisure facilities Dilton Marsh

Consulting on 4 Options

•      Future provision will offer sustainable help, support and resource to target the young people who need it most

•      Provide the opportunity for more young people to access activities.

1.    Retain the current in-house service but reduce the cost

2.    Outsource the service  

3.    Encourage and support staff to form a Public Service Mutual

4.    Develop a community led approach

The Consultation Process

•      Started Friday 31 January – for 10 weeks

•      Widely publicised;

•      Schools, focus groups, young people’s groups, staff, communities, stakeholders

•      20,000 text messages to young people linking to survey

•      Voluntary and community services

•      Channels include website, Sparksite, facebook, twitter, media

•      Final report for future provision – cabinet on 15 May

Future Provision – The Outcomes

•      A better service for young people

•      Young people have greater influence on the local provision they want and need

•      Resources and funding targeted to those who need it most

•      Vulnerable young people will continue to be protected – safeguarding a top priority

•      Youth services will continue but delivered in a different way

•  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

This event was held on 26 February 2014.  A full report of priorities selected and ideas for projects is attached.  The Area Board will be asked to:

·         Consider the outcomes from the ‘What Matters to You’ event

·         Decide on action

Sally Hendry, Community Area Manager explained that the ‘What matters to you?’ event was held on 6 March 2014 in the Laverton and more than 80 members of the public and partner agencies took part.

The purpose of the event was to look at facts and figures for the Westbury Community Area and consider priorities for action.

It was pointed out that some of the key issues facing the Westbury community were:

•      High rates of child poverty

•      High rate of child obesity

•      4^th highest in county for domestic abuse

•      Higher than average benefit claimants

•      Lowest countywide recycling rates

Sally Hendry reported that the following priorities had been made at the meeting on 6 March:

Community Safety

·         Anti-social behaviour of adults in the evening and young people in the day time.29%

·         Engaging with the more vulnerable in our society to keep them safe from accidental fires – ensure their personal safety 29%

·         Reduction of domestic abuse 42%

Environment

·         Identify land that can be made available for community benefit. 28%

·         Information to residents in rural communities about the possible re-grading of farmland that would open it up for development.  5%

·         Look into extending the Cranborne Chase AONB to include the Westbury Escarpment or create a corridor up to the Cotswolds AONB. 22%

·         Promote reduction of packaging from stores and fast food outlets, and educate for less to landfill and more recycling.  45%

·         Suggest - Wellhead Woods and Wellhead Valley – as Town Parks for the community

·         Does WC own triangle of grass (possible orchard spot) by the Coop – suitable for asset transfer?

Transport

·         Address issues of air quality by supporting the Air Quality Action Group 9%

·         Improve, enhance, increase availability of cycle routes in and around Westbury. 38%

·         Encourage effective use of the Railway Station, ensure its continued use as a hub 17%

·         Improve traffic flow on the Warminster Road 19%

·         Establish whether the community would be interested in discussing the options for by-pass 17%

Children and Young People

• Mitigating the effects of poverty – stress, obesity, higher refuse, domestic violence. 57%
• Reaching out to hard to reach people 8%
• Importance of young people being able to access affordable resources 34%

Culture

• Westbury Town Heritage Trail – blue plaques – raise profile of historic buildings 18%
• White Horse/Swimming Pool/Library – multi use leisure and culture – raise profile 28%
• Clubs/workshops for young people (music/drama/arts) – better advertising 33%
• Co-ordinated advertising of local events – notice boards/website/calendar 21%

Economy

·         Improve education and employment aspirations of school children 57%

·         Increase opportunities for higher end jobs 13%

·         Plan for re-purposing of the town centre (leisure, heritage trail etc) 30%

Health and Wellbeing

• Dementia: improve awareness, become 'dementia friendly' 20%
• Healthy diet and healthy bodies for the whole family (starting with breastfeeding and all the way through to older age) 37%
• Connect people socially and improve activity levels leading to better health and mental wellbeing 40%
• Falls prevention (in the home and outside too) 3%

Leisure

• Improve access for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Nicole Smith, Head of Strategic Housing will explain the new way that Wiltshire Council will allocate social housing.

Nicole Smith, Head of Strategic Housing, gave a presentation in which she explained the new way that Wiltshire Council would be allocating social housing.

She explained that the Policy had been reviewed following the introduction of the Localism Act and the introduction of the new freedoms.  There had been wide consultation with the public, including the area boards, all those on the register, housing providers, voluntary sector, support providers and many more, following which the new Policy had been approved by Cabinet in November 2013.

The main changes were as follows:

•         Local connection to Wiltshire

•         Local Homes allocated to Local People

•         Creation of an open market register for those with no identified housing need

•         Review of the bands

•         Introduction of reasons to be excluded from the register

•         Allocations made in line with the bedroom standard

•         Priority would be given to those with a local connection to the parish or town the vacancy was in, followed by band and eligible date

•         If no one made a bid with a local connection then the team would look to all the surrounding parishes and towns

•         Finally it would be opened to the whole of Wiltshire

•         A local connection exclusion group would apply

The new bands would be as follows:

 It was noted that the timetable for introducing the new measures would be as follows:

•         Jan to May – Develop an IT specification and build a new IT system

•         Jan to May – Working with staff and providers to develop new procedures, application form and customer leaflets

•         June / July – Full testing of the new system

•         July / Sept – 8 week transition period from new system to old system

•         Launch in Sept 2014

Emma Cooper, Chief Executive, will explain the role of Healthwatch.

Emma Cooper, Chief Executive, Healthwatch Wiltshire introduced and explained the function of Healthwatch Wiltshire.

She explained that Healthwatch was the independent consumer champion for health and social care in England. Healthwatch Wiltshire was part of a network of more than 150 local Healthwatch organisations and other partners, building a national picture of the trends and issues that mattered most.

The role of Healthcare Wiltshire was:

·                To promote the voice of the consumer in the development of health and social care strategies (children and adults)

·                To be a ‘Critical Friend’ to the commissioners and providers of Health and Social Care

·                To provide and promote effective signposting and information systems

·                To promote, monitor and inspect the quality of services commissioned by the NHS to meet health and social care needs.

Healthcare Wiltshire fulfilled its role

through its Volunteer Network

Specialist Volunteers

Generalist Volunteers

Associates

through using information

listening and collecting

analysing and researching

informing and signposting

through dialogue and influence

with the community

commissioners and providers

Emma Cooper explained that Healthwatch Wiltshire maintained a strong connection with local authorities and were looking for further volunteers to help run the service.  Further information could be obtained from:

Healthwatch Wiltshire,

Kingsbury House,

Kingsbury Square,

Melksham,

SN12 6HL

Tel: 01225 434218

Email: info@healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk

Website; www.healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk

Ed Dodd, Divisional Director and Simon Thomas, Northacre Plant Manager from Hills Waste Solutions presented an update on the fly problem which had occurred in Westbury during the Summer of 2013.

They explained that Hills Waste Solutions had developed a fly management plan for the Northacre RRC which had been agreed with the Environment Agency. Routine fly monitoring was being undertaken at the site and a number of measures were in place to control the flies.

These measures were intended to supplement the effective use of fly fogging and spraying which was currently operating three times each week, but could be increased if necessary.   

It was reported that there was currently no problem with flies at Northacre RRC, which had been verified by the Environment Agency who undertook regular unannounced checks at the site.  A liaison committee had been formed made up of representatives from Hills Waste Solutions, local parish councils, Westbury Town Council, Wiltshire Council and neighbouring businesses, which met on a regular basis to provide a direct point of contact with the site.  Hills had been made aware through the liaison committee that some residents were reporting an increase in flies.  Hills did not believe that these flies had originated from the Northacre site and stressed that at certain times of the year fly populations fluctuated in domestic dwellings as well as in the surrounding environment. However, Hills would continue to monitor the situation.

To note the attached Partner updates and receive any further information partners wish to share:-

·                Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office

·                Wiltshire Police

·                Wiltshire Fire & Rescue

·                Clinical Commissioning Group

·                BA13 Community Area Partnership

·                Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

·                Westbury COB

·                Town/Parish Councils

·                Community commemoration of World War One

The Area Board received the following partner and community updates:-

·                Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office  There was no update.

·                Wiltshire Police  Inspector Alan Webb presented an update report. He pointed out that the performance table indicated an overall reduction in crime. There had been an increase in vehicle crime and also in burglary offences for which significant specialist resources had been made available which had led to the arrest of four separate offenders.

Dr Peter Biggs requested that the statistics for violent crime be subdivided in order to show domestic abuse as a separate entry.  Inspector Webb confirmed that he would look into the possibility of providing these figures separately.

·                Wiltshire Fire & Rescue   An update report was received and noted.

·                Clinical Commissioning Group   An update report was received and noted.

·                BA13 Community Area Partnership  An update report was received and noted.

·                Youth Advisory Group (YAG)  An update report was received and noted.

·                Westbury COB  An update report was received from which it was noted that the COB had been giving some consideration to a charge of name to either:

Westbury Campus Development Team, or

Westbury Community Campus Team.

AGREED   That the Westbury COB be renamed the Westbury Community Campus Team.

·                Town/Parish Councils  There were no update reports.

·                Community Commemoration of World War One  Cllr David Jenkins reported that the Westbury Town Council World War One Steering Group had listed a number of events to commemorate the Great War on the Town Council’s website, details of which were as follows:

2 August                      World War One event in Soisy Gardens

3 August                      Re-dedication of the Great War Memorial in All Saints Churchyard

4 August                                  Royal British Legion Evening Service at High Street memorial

8 August                                  Westbury during the Great War, talk by Lt Col (Ret’d) Andrew Field at The Laverton

9 August                                  Tea Dance at Leigh Park Community Centre

12 September                          Mons to the Marne talk by Tony Coutts-Britton in All Saints Church

5 December                 The Christmas Truce 1914 talk by Tony Coutts-Britton in All Saints Church

To appoint additional members and deputies to the Community Operations Board.

Proposal: The following additional members be appointed to the Community Operations Board

·         Lauren Srawley and Carris Maskell (joint member for education and young people representative)

·         Bill Jarvis (User  and community group representative)

·         Alison Irving (User and community group representative)

·         Neil Hawker (User and community group representative)

The following deputies to be appointed

·         Timothy John Wright

·         David Bradshaw

Consideration was given to appointing members and deputies to the Community Operations Board.

AGREED  

(1)       To appoint the following additional members to the Community Operations Board:

Lauren Srawley and Carris Maskell (joint member for education and young people representative)

Bill Jarvis (User and community group representative)

 Alison Irving (User and community group representative)

 Neil Hawker (User and community group representative)

(2)       To appoint the following as deputies:

Timothy John Wright

 David Bradshaw

Consideration was given to a report by the Community Area Manager in which councillors were asked to consider applications for funding from the 2014/15 Area Board Grants Budget.  She then explained each application in turn.

(a)       Bratton Recreation Ground – New Shower Facilities

Decision

To approve a grant of £739 towards new shower facilities.

Reason

This application meets the grants criteria for 2014/15.

(b)      Westbury Bowls Club – Purchase of 10 Sets of Bowls

Decision

To approve a grant of £500 towards the purchase of 10 sets of bowls.

Reason

This application meets the grants criteria for 2014/15.

(c)       Royal British Legion (Westbury) – Repair and Restoration of Town War Memorial

Decision

To approve a grant of £1,250 for the repair and restoration of the town war memorial.

Reason

This application meets the grants criteria for 2014/15.

(d)      Replacement of Stiles and Kissing Gates on Rights of Way in and around Westbury and the surrounding Villages – Led by Cllr Russell Hawker

Decision

To approve a grant of £3,000 for the replacement of stiles and kissing gates in and around Westbury and the surrounding villages.

Reason

This application meets the grants criteria for 2014/15.

Sally Hendry, Community Area Manager will update on progress and projects from the two groups.

The minutes of the CATG meeting held on 14 March 2014 and notes of a meeting of the Air Quality Management Group held on 7 March 2014 are attached.

The Area Board received:

(1)       The minutes of the Westbury Community Area Transport Group dated 14 March 2014 which provided an update on outstanding issues and the actions which had been taken.

(2)       Notes of a meeting of the Westbury Air Quality Management Group dated 7 March 2014.

(3)       A list of services delivered by Balfour Beatty together with a summary of work which had been undertaken.   

Any other items of business which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered as a matter of urgency. 

There were no urgent items of business.

The next meeting of the Westbury Area Board will take place on:

Thursday 5 June 2014 at Bratton Jubilee Hall, Melbourne Street, Bratton, BA13 4RW.

Future Meeting Dates

Thursday 7 August 2014 at Heywood & Hawkridge Village Hall, Church Road, Heywood, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 4LP.

Thursday 9 October 2014 at The Laverton, Bratton Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 3EN.

Thursday 11 December 2014 at The Laverton, Bratton Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 3EN.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Westbury Area Board would be held on Thursday 5 June 2014 at Bratton Jubilee Hall, Melbourne Street, Bratton, BA13 4RW, starting at 7.00pm.