Agenda and minutes

a.    Appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

b.    Local Transport Plan (LTP) Scheme Funding Allocation

c.    Draft Parking Strategy

d.    Feedback from meeting on Pewsey Area Community Trust (PACT)

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Area Board Members and the officers supporting the meeting.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

·         Local Transport Programme (LTP) Scheme Funding Allocation – Further to the information set out at page 5 of the agenda, it was noted that a Community Area Transport Group (CATG) would be set up to prioritise LTP schemes in the area, and make recommendations to the Area Board. Anyone wishing to volunteer to be part of the CATG should contact Caroline Brailey, Pewsey Community Area Manager. 

·         Draft Parking Strategy – Information on this forthcoming consultation was available on page 7 of the agenda.  The documents listed would be available from 12 July 2010, when the consultation would open.

·         Feedback from meeting on Pewsey Area Community Trust (PACT) – At the Chairman’s invitation, Margaret West of Voluntary Action Kennet (VAK) gave an update on the meeting held with Area Board Councillors, VAK and PACT.  This meeting had been held following discussions at the previous meeting of the Area Board, and sought to find a way that PACT and VAK could work together.  Further discussions were ongoing and any outcomes would be reported to the Area Board.

Apologies for absence have been received from Councillor Stuart Wheeler.  Under the substitution arrangements with the Tidworth Area Board, Councillor Chris Williams will be in attendance as a voting member of the Area Board, to ensure there is a quorum for the meeting.

Apologies have also been received from Councillor Keith Humphries, who was due to attend the meeting as the visiting Cabinet Representative for Health and Wellbeing.

Apologies for absence had been received from the following:

·         Councillor Stuart Wheeler – The Chairman noted that, under the substitution arrangements with the Tidworth Area Board, Councillor Chris Williams was in attendance as a voting member of the Area Board, to ensure there was a quorum for the meeting.

·         Councillor Keith Humphries (Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing), who had been due to attend the meeting as the visiting cabinet representative.

·         Michael Farr (Wootton Rivers Parish Council)

·         Carol Grant (Pewsey Vale School)

·         Nicole Gilbert (Pewsey Primary School)

·         Brian Deeley (Age UK).

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

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 10 May 2010 and the minutes of the meeting held on 18 May 2010.

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 May 2010 and those of the meeting held on 18 May were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive a brief report from the Chairman on the work of the Area Board over the 2009/10 year.

The Chairman commented that the Area Board had now been operating for one year, holding six meetings and allocating a number of grants to community organisations.  Further details on the successes of the Area Board’s first year were set out in a summary report at pages 21/22 of the agenda.

The Chairman welcomed comments and suggestions for improvements to the Area Board process.

To receive a short presentation on the consultation on the Waste and Recycling service.

Andy Conn (Head of Waste Management) gave a presentation regarding the on-going consultation on the waste and recycling collection service.

Changes to the provision of this service within Wiltshire were required to ensure that the same service was provided to all residents.  In addition to this, the need to meet tougher recycling targets and to minimise landfill required a new approach to waste collection across the county.

The proposal was for household rubbish and black box recycling (i.e. tins, glass and paper) to be collected on alternate weeks.  There would also be a fortnightly collection of plastic bottles and cardboard recycling.  In addition, the current fortnightly collection of garden waste would continue, although this would now be free to all residents, rather than being charged as at present.

This proposal sought to balance the best service with maximising the opportunities for recycling and minimising costs.  A consultation was underway to seek support for this proposal from Wiltshire residents.  Leaflets were available at the meeting summarising the proposals, with a detachable freepost slip on which residents could record their support or opposition to the proposals.  Residents could also respond to the consultation online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/rubbishandrecycling/waste.htm.

The Chairman then invited questions and comments:

·         Referring to the recent announcement by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in support of weekly waste collection, Andy commented that the government had also encouraged consultation with residents.  Wiltshire Council’s proposal had already been postponed earlier in the year, in the expectation of a formal policy decision from the government, however no such decision had been forthcoming.

·         It was noted that, in addition to waste sent to landfill, a proportion was sent to an “Energy from Waste” incineration facility near Slough.  Andy commented that the Council used several options to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

·         It was yet to be determined how the proposed additional recycling collection of plastics and cardboard would be undertaken, although it was likely to be a wheelie bin or a bag. 

·         A resident considered that a significant element of landfill consisted of items which could be reused or recycled.  Andy responded that of the waste taken to Wiltshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), over 75% was recycled or reused, which was very high compared to other authorities.  In addition to this, some large items, such as furniture, were recycled through charitable reuse networks.

·         Responding to comments regarding rumours that recyclable material was collected and then sent to landfill, Andy commented that this was untrue.  With the exception of a 1-2% contamination rate, the additional cost of paying landfill tax and the potential value of recyclable material ensured it would never be sent to landfill.

·         Local recycling schemes had not been included in the proposals, and it was noted that use of these sites had declined due to the increase in kerbside recycling collection.  It was likely that the network would be reviewed with a view to rationalising some of the sites.

·         Although the current  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive a presentation from Maggie Rae, Director of Public Health, regarding the results of the recent Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for the Pewsey Community Area, including feedback on the Health Fair held on 22 March.

Maggie Rae (Director of Public Health), introduced the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), which had been produced for each of Wiltshire’s Community Areas to assess residents’ health and wellbeing.  The JSNA comprised data and statistics from several public sector partners, and would help inform the work plans of various organisations.

As part of the process of gathering data and consulting on the priorities as identified by local people, a series of Health Fairs had been held.  In Pewsey, this had been held on 22 March and had given an opportunity for local people to meet health service providers, and to give their views on priorities for the Community Area.

Maggie introduced John Goodall (Service Development Manager - NHS Wiltshire) who presented the statistics as set out in the JSNA for the Pewsey Community Area.  The main points identified by the JSNA were as follows:

·         In terms of life expectancy, the Pewsey Community Area rated 4th out of the 20 Community Areas for women (84.2 years compared to 83.1 across Wiltshire).  However, the area only rated 18th out of 20 for men (78.1 years compared to 79.3 across Wiltshire). 

·         Pewsey ranked 6th equal in the county in terms of traffic collisions, with an average of 11 people killed or seriously injured on roads in the community area during 2008 (compared with 13.8 across the county).

·         Childhood obesity was comparatively low in the Pewsey Community Area, with only 12.3% of children measured being classified as overweight or obese according to their Body Mass Index (BMI).  This was the lowest rate in Wiltshire and compared favourably to the national rate of around 23%.

·         Smoking, the principal avoidable cause of deaths in the UK, was also comparatively low in Pewsey, with only 16.2% of adults smoking, lower than the Wiltshire average of 20.2%.

·         In relation to “Self reported health” 79.1% of people said they were in “good” or “very good” health, ranking Pewsey 7th out of 20 in Wiltshire.

·         While domestic violence rates in the Pewsey Community Area were low (1.1 incidents per 1,000 people aged 15 or over – 1st out of 20 in Wiltshire), it was estimated that only 20% of incidents were reported to the police.

John added that the next steps in the process were to set priorities as identified by the local community and for these to inform the delivery of public sector services within Wiltshire.

In response to a question, Maggie confirmed that the PCT did monitor standardised mortality rates.  Salisbury Foundation Hospital had very good rates on this, despite having a hospice on site, which contributed to the figures.

Maggie also confirmed that the PCT supported “first responder” schemes, whereby defibrillation units were located in rural, isolated communities.

To receive any updates from partners:

a)            An update from Wiltshire Police;

b)            An update from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service;

c)            An update from NHS Wiltshire; and

d)            An update from the Parish Councils.

(a)       Wiltshire Police

Inspector Andy Peach reported that he had nothing to add to the written update at pages 23-24 in the agenda.

(b)       Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

            In his role as Chairman of the Fire Authority, Councillor Brigadier Robert Hall referred the meeting to the written update at page 25 of the agenda.  It was noted that, despite the warm, dry weather, the number of fires had dropped since the previous update.

(c)        NHS Wiltshire

Jo Howes, Community Engagement Manager for NHS Wiltshire, referred to the written update at pages 27-29.  In addition, Jo commented on the recent difficulty in recruiting staff to the Savernake Hospital.  The decision had been taken that, in order to keep a safe ratio of staff to patients, the number of beds would be reduced from 24 to 12 over the summer months.  This would also allow for some maintenance work to be undertaken.  The number of beds could then be taken back up to 24 for the winter period, when there was traditionally more need for hospital accommodation.

(d)       Parish Councils

No Parish Council wished to add anything to the written information in the agenda.

To receive an update from the Pewsey Community Area Partnership (PCAP),  including feedback from the meeting regarding the Kennet and Avon Canal Mooring Strategy held on 1 June.

The Area Board will also be asked to approve PCAP’s workplan and budget for 2010/11.

Bob King, the new Chairman of Pewsey Community Area Partnership (PCAP), invited Peter Deck, the outgoing PCAP Chairman, to update the Board on the meeting held with British Waterways on 1 June 2010 in Devizes.

This meeting had been held to discuss British Waterways’ Canal Mooring Strategy, with particular reference to how this would be applied to canal boat owners who resided on the Kennet and Avon Canal.  The view at the meeting had been that effective enforcement would be the key to the success of the Strategy.  British Waterways was expected to establish independent Panels to make recommendations to British Waterways on local mooring strategies in consultation with stakeholders through local steering groups.  As such, Parish Councils affected by the Kennet and Avon Canal should be able to provide input through a steering group, once established.

Before starting his update, Bob thanked Peter for all his hard work as Chairman of PCAP over the past 10 years.

The Partnership now had the following sub-groups:

·         Highways – Peter Hanson, Divisional Highway Manager Wiltshire Council, had attended the last Partnership meeting and had reiterated that CLARENCE was the preferred mechanism for reporting highways faults.  It was also noted that the planned resurfacing of the A345 from Upavon to Larkhill was now underway, and Parish Councils were encouraged to continue to use the Parish Stewards.

·         Crime and Community Safety – The main issues here were anti-social behaviour and speeding.  Community Speedwatch had now been rolled out in five parishes.  Also, Pewsey Police Station continued to open every Tuesday morning and the police were seeking volunteers to help.

·         Education and Leisure – This group included two representatives from Pewsey Primary School.  It had been noted that the Community Plan did not mention the school, so something would be added.

·         Finance – This group had approved PCAP’s budget for the year.  No further funding was being sought from the Area Board at this time, although PCAP reserved the right to request funding later in the year if necessary.

·         Environment – A chairman was still being sought for this group; any volunteers would be welcome.

Decision

The Pewsey Area Board noted and agreed the Pewsey Community Area Partnership’s Workplan and Budget for 2010-11.

To receive information from the Community Area Manager on the following two projects:

a.    Reducing Street Lighting - funding available to reduce the adverse impacts of street lighting.

b.    Youth Transport – funding available for projects to make youth activities more accessible to young people living in rural areas.

(a)          Reducing Street Lighting

Caroline Brailey, Pewsey Community Area Manager, referred the meeting to the information set out at pages 39-40 of the agenda.  This explained the background to the project which sought to replace street lighting units with new units containing timers.  This allowed the units to be turned off or dimmed for part of the night, thus reducing light pollution and saving electricity.  However, this had to be balanced against the need for lighting, in terms of highways and community safety.

Each Area Board had been allocated £5,000 for this project, which would pay for around 100 street lights to be fitted with the new units.

Councillor Chris Williams commented that a successful trial of this project had been run on the Tidworth to Lugdershall road.  The dimming had resulted in lower energy use, and had caused very little reduction in ambient light.

It was agreed that PCAP would take on the lead role for this project.

(b)          Youth Transport Projects

This project sought to deliver transport projects to allow young people, particularly those from isolated rural areas, to travel into urban areas where they had better access to facilities and services.  Funding had been made available to the Area Board to support projects in the Community Area.

The Chairman invited suggestions and ideas to be submitted to the Area Board via Caroline Brailey.

Caroline Brailey, the Pewsey Community Area Manager, will give an update on the progress made regarding issues which have been raised with the Area Board.

Caroline Brailey updated the meeting on the Community Issues which had been received by the Area Board. 

The majority of issues related to Highways  and Speeding.  Some Community Speedwatch projects were underway to address some of the issues raised, and other sites were under consideration.

Since the publication of the agenda, another speeding issue had been raised, in relation to speeding in Bottlesford.  This was currently being looked into, and may require periodic speed enforcement by the police. 

To determine applications for Community Area Grants, including a request to change the details of a grant previously awarded.

The Area Board considered a number of applications for Community Area Grant funding.  The Chairman invited the local Councillor to introduce each application, following which a representative of the applicant was given an opportunity to give a brief overview of their project to the Area Board.

In relation to the application from Milton Lilbourne Parish Council, Caroline Brailey reported that the two further quotes had now been received, and that, as a result of the additional quotes, the application had been re-submitted for a revised grant of £1,977.  It was noted that, if Councillors were minded to award the grants in line with officer recommendations, the figure at paragraph 4.2 of the report (page 47 of the agenda) would be amended to £33,090, being the amount remaining in the Pewsey Community Area Grant budget for 2010/11.

Decision

Milton Lilbourne Parish Council was awarded £1,977 towards installation of community seating with a bench around the tulip tree to overlook the recreation ground.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2010/11 and would support this project to cater for the needs of older residents.

Decision

Burbage Village Hall was awarded £1,000 towards re-surfacing the car park.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2010/11 and would help maintain this community facility as well as improve vehicular access to the local recycling point.

Decision

Upavon Village Hall was awarded £850 towards the redecoration of the kitchen, toilets and passage.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2010/11 and would help maintain this community facility.

Decision

Grafton Goslings was awarded £989 towards purchasing stackable children’s tables and materials for gates to make the outside area secure for children to play.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2010/11 and would ensure the safety and wellbeing of children within this new community initiative.

Decision

Wilcot Cricket Club was awarded £1,915 towards the replacement of the changing room roof, replacement toilets, showers and repainting of the interior.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2010/11 and would help maintain this community facility.

Caroline also reported that Pewsey Parish Council had requested an amendment to the purpose of a grant previously awarded.  The original grant had been towards funding the removal of the existing play equipment and re-siting to a new play area.  However, it had since been identified that the existing equipment did not meet current health and safety requirements, and so it was proposed that the grant be used to fund the purchase of new equipment.

Decision

The Pewsey Area Board agreed to the change of use for the grant awarded to Pewsey Parish Council on 28 January 2010, to allow for the grant to be used towards purchasing new play equipment for the project.

The Chairman commented that the next Area Board meeting was scheduled for 6 September 2010; the deadline for grants to be considered at that meeting was 23 July 2010.

To note the appointments to outside bodies which were made by the Board last year and to note that these appointments will continue for 2010/11.

The Area Board noted that the appointments to outside bodies would continue for the 2010/11 year as per page 51 of the agenda.

Time permitting, the Chairman will invite questions and comments on issues not covered elsewhere in the agenda.

(a)          Written Questions

The Chairman reported that, since the publication of the agenda, written questions had been received from Mrs Charmian Spickernell in relation to the Council’s planning process, specifically:

1.    The delegation of planning applications and determining when applications could be “called in” to go to Committee for determination.

2.    The accuracy of planning application headings – with reference to a recent application where a key component of the development had been omitted from the heading.

3.    How major planning applications were differentiated from minor applications and whether this required a different approach.

4.    Site visits.

A response to these questions had been sought from Councillor John Brady, the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Housing, and this was read out by Caroline Brailey.  Councillor Brady referred to the recently completed detailed consultation on the planning process, which had covered the points raised by Mrs Spickernell.  A report with recommended changes to the planning process would be submitted to the Cabinet in September or October, although there were no proposals to change the call-in process.  In relation to the accuracy of application headings, Councillor Brady requested the full details of the application to allow officers to investigate this issue.

Written copies of the questions and responses were made available at the back of the meeting room.

(b)          Other questions and comments

A question was raised in relation to a specific case of a patient being discharged from a mental hospital and re-housed in the area.  Maggie Rae commented that it would be inappropriate to discuss individual cases in a public meeting. 

A comment was raised congratulating the Area Board on its first year, and thanking the officers for their hard work.

To note the Forward Plan attached.

The next meeting of the Pewsey Area Board is scheduled for Monday 6 September 2010, 7pm at Burbage Village Hall, Eastcourt Road, Burbage.

The next meeting of the Pewsey Area Board was scheduled for Monday 6 September 2010, 7pm at Burbage Village Hall, Eastcourt Road, Burbage.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending, and encouraged everyone to complete evaluation forms.