Agenda and minutes

Venue: The Bouverie Hall, Pewsey

Contact: James Hazlewood  (Senior Democratic Services Officer)

Items
Note No. Item

7.00pm

1.

Chairman's Welcome, Introduction and Announcements

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Area Board Members, the officers, and the visiting Cabinet Representative, Councillor John Thomson.

 

It was noted that a Health and Wellbeing Fair was being held on 22 March, with a drop-in event from 4pm-6pm with various health checks and information stands, followed by a workshop on the health statistics for the Pewsey Community Area from 6.30pm-8.00pm.

 

Parish Councils were encouraged to respond to the Speed Limit Review by the deadline of 5 February 2010. 

 

The Chairman explained that, due to the cancellation of the meeting previously scheduled for 11 January 2010, the Board would have missed the deadline for responding to the Budget Consultation.  However, the deadline had been extended to allow the Board to contribute to the consultation and the voting cards had been included within the agenda packs.  The DVD introducing and explaining the process had been shown before the meeting, and the Chairman allowed five minutes for people to read and complete the cards.  These would be collected and processed and the results reported at the end of the meeting.

 

Responding to a question regarding the element of Council tax for the Police, Councillor Wheeler explained that this was set by the Police Authority, and that the Council merely acted as a collecting agent for that precept.

2.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence had been received from the following:

  • Charles Fletcher (Alton Parish Council)
  • Margaret West (Voluntary Action Kennet)
  • Mike Way (North Newnton Parish Council)
  • Jo Howes (NHS Wiltshire)
  • Mike Franklin (Wiltshire Fire and Rescue)
  • Carol Grant (Pewsey Vale School)
  • Jim Fletcher (Woodborough Parish Council)
  • Caroline Dalrymple (Pewsey Parish Council)
  • Nicola Gilbert (Pewsey Primary School)
  • Martin Hamer (Burbage Parish Council)
  • Patrick Wilson (Pewsey and District Chamber of Commerce)

3.

Declarations of Interest

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

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

4.

Minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 9 November 2009.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2009 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

7.10pm

5.

Cabinet representative - Councillor John Thomson

Councillor John Thomson, Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Communities and Libraries, will give a brief overview of his areas of responsibility, including an update on the redevelopment of Pewsey Library.  The Chairman will then invite questions from the public. 

 

(Note – questions may be submitted in advance – please email to james.hazlewood@wiltshire.gov.uk by Friday 22 January 2010).

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced Councillor John Thomson, Cabinet Representative for Adult Care, Communities and Libraries, and the Deputy Leader of the Council.

 

Councillor Thomson gave an update regarding the refurbishment of Pewsey Library. The relocation of the library to temporary accommodation in advance of the building works had been postponed at short notice to allow additional features to be added to the design.  Although this last minute delay had been unfortunate, it was considered that the new design features, which would include changing facilities for adults with disabilities, and additional meeting rooms, would be of significant benefit to the community in the long term.  Councillor Thomson offered to provide updates to future meetings of the Board on the progress of the building works, if so requested.

 

The extra features would cost an additional £150K on top of the original budget of £1 million. The new design was still subject to planning approval, however it was anticipated that the original completion date of Christmas 2010 could still be met.

 

The completed library would have an addition 90m2 of space, which would make it approximately a third bigger than its current size. The hours would also be extended, and the Area Board would be consulted on this in due course. There would also be an increase of around 30% in the number of books, and suggestions from users and the community would be welcomed at the stage of stocking the library.

 

In relation to the Adult Social Care element of his cabinet responsibility, Councillor Thomson commented that the nature of Wiltshire, with an ageing population spread over a wide area, offered particular challenges. It was estimated that by 2025 there would be over 8,000 people of 85 and 45,000 over 65.

 

An on-going review of this service was aiming to cut costs where possible without impacting on frontline services.  This could involve increased use of the voluntary and private sectors.  In addition, planned changes to the budget system would see service users given more control over their “personal” budget.  Although the Council welcomed this change, it would require changes to the way in which services were delivered.

 

Responding to a comment that Adult Social Care staff were often low-paid, Councillor Thomson explained that some pay had been increased recently to maintain the high quality service level. However, this challenge would increase with forecast budgeting cuts of 20% and a continuing growth in demand for services.

 

The Chairman thanked Councillor Thomson for the presentation and for attending the meeting.

7.30pm

6.

A338 / A346 Working Group Report

Councillor Charles Howard will present the findings of the Working Group (report attached), followed by an opportunity for questions.  The Area Board will be asked to consider a recommendation that Wiltshire Council be asked to submit an application to the Department for Transport that the A338 / A346 corridor be de-primed and for restrictions then to be placed on the A338 and other north/south roads such as the A345.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Councillor Charles Howard to present the report which had been produced by a working group supported by the Tidworth Community Area Partnership, and comprising representatives from the Tidworth, Pewsey, Marlborough and Bourne Valley areas.  The full version of the report was available on the Collingbourne Ducis Parish Council website.

 

The report considered several factors relating to the A338 / A346 corridor from Salisbury to Swindon:

 

  • Volume of traffic – around 7,000 vehicles used the corridor daily, rising to 16,000 between Marlborough and the M4.
  • Priority locations – such as bridges and towns, where the road was particularly narrow.
  • Future increase in traffic – new Distribution Centres planned for Solstice Park and Andover Airfield were likely to increase Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) usage of the corridor.
  • Accidents – The corridor had a higher than average accident rate, with 205 accidents in five years, resulting in 343 casualties (including 8 fatalities and 75 serious injuries).

 

The report had concluded that the corridor was unsuitable for the volume of traffic it currently sustained, in particular the volume of LGV traffic.  This was impacting on the local area in terms of noise pollution, vibrations and air quality.

 

The Working Group had identified two options to reduce the impact of the volume of LGV traffic:

 

  • Bypasses – Previous attempts to secure bypasses along the corridor had been unsuccessful, and costs were likely to make this option unviable.  In addition, bypasses would encourage increased use of the corridor in the long term, which would only exacerbate the existing environmental and social impact.
  • “De-priming” – The A338/A346 corridor currently formed part of the National Primary Route Network.  As such, it was not possible to impose weight/width/length or night-time restrictions on the roads.  If the route were to be removed from the Primary Route Network, then such restrictions would be possible. 

 

Councillor Howard advised that the Working Group’s preferred option was to apply to the Department for Transport for the A338/A346 corridor to be de-primed, and that the Area Board’s support for this approach was now sought.  It was emphasised that further studies/consultation would be required prior to any restrictions being imposed.

 

The Chairman thanked Councillor Howard for his presentation and welcomed to the meeting Allan Creedy, Transport and Development Manager, and Councillor Richard Gamble, who was present in his capacity as Portfolio Holder for Public Transport.  At the Chairman’s invitation, comments and questions were raised as follows:

 

  • De-priming was a relatively rare approach, and involved a fairly bureaucratic and resource-intensive process.  The (DFT will consider, need reason and alternative route etc).
  • Concern was expressed regarding the potential impact that de-priming or alternative measures would have on the A345 and other routes.
  • It was suggested that liaison with SatNav developers could be a mechanism to reduce through traffic.  Councillor Howard, commented that this had been considered by the working group, and that mapping overlays would take a long time to be updated.

 

Following discussion, Councillor Stuart Wheeler moved a motion which was seconded by Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.55pm

7.

Partner Updates

To receive any updates from partners:

 

a)                 Wiltshire Police;

b)                 Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service;

c)                  NHS Wiltshire;

d)                 Pewsey Community Area Partnership;

e)                 Parish Councils; and

f)                    MOD

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

(a)            Wiltshire Police

 

Inspector Andy Peach commented that a detailed written update was included within the agenda pack.  The Pewsey Community Area had not experienced any significant problems over the Christmas / New Year Period with only three isolated incidents of violence or antisocial behaviour.

 

(b)            Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

 

            In the absence of a written update, or a representative in attendance, Councillor Robert Hall gave an update, in his role as Chairman of Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority.  The Authority was in the process of setting the budget for 2010/11 and was hoping to keep its element of the Council Tax precept to a minimal increase.

 

            Responding to a question regarding a proposed Central Communications Centre in Exeter, Councillor Hall commented that the current Regional Control Centre for the Fire Service was in Taunton, one of nine across the country.  In addition there was a tri-service communications centre in Devizes.

 

            Thanks was expressed to the two members of Wiltshire Fire Service who had travelled to Haiti to help with the response to the recent earthquake.

 

(c)        NHS Wiltshire

 

            The written update from NHS Wiltshire was noted.

 

(d)            Pewsey Community Area Partnership

 

Peter Deck, Chairman of the Pewsey Community Area Partnership (PCAP) gave an update on the work of PCAP and the thematic groups.

 

The Chamber of Commerce were planning an event on 4 March regarding tourism, in advance of the 2012 Olympics and the opportunity this would bring for developing tourism in Wiltshire.

 

PCAP had responded to Wiltshire Council’s draft Core Strategy (part of the Local Development Framework), and noted that levels of development in Pewsey remained within guidelines.

 

Peter referred to Wiltshire Council’s recent consultation on the Review of Speed Limits. Concern had been raised that the consultation with the Police had only been undertaken through the traffic officers only, and not through the Neighbourhood Policing Teams.  In addition, Stan Bagwell, Chairman of the PCAP Transport Sub-group, read out a statement raising concerns that Parish Councils had only been consulted on the results after the completion of the review.  In addition, the Sub-group was disappointed that previous correspondence from Parish Councils regarding speeding issues did not appear to have been considered as part of the review.

 

Councillor Thomson explained that the process for the review had been set out by the government.  He encouraged Parish Councils to bring their concerns over speeding to the Area Boards.

 

(e)       Parish Councils

 

Rushall Parish Council requested the support of the Area Board to a proposed way forward following a study into pedestrian safety.  It was noted that Councillor Brigadier Robert Hall had responded as the local member.

 

Decision

The Pewsey Area Board endorsed the response submitted by Councillor Hall, supporting the conclusions and recommendations of Rushall Parish Council’s “Study into Safe Pedestrian Access in Rushall”.

 

(f)         MOD

 

Bill Dowling of 43 Wessex Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Mick Cotton, Upavon Garrison Commander, were in attendance to update on proposed developments to the garrisons around Salisbury Plain. 

 

Bill Dowling commented that the number  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.15pm

8.

Speed Prioritisation Matrix

The Community Area Manager will present the latest Speed Prioritisation matrix and will seek the Board’s views/agreement on the priorities given.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Area Board noted the site listed in the matrix set out at page 29 of the agenda.  Caroline Brailey, Pewsey Community Area Manager, reported that the speed testing strips were now down at most of the 12 sites noted at the previous meeting.

8.20pm

9.

Community Issues

Councillor Stuart Wheeler will provide an update on the issues received and actions taken since the previous Area Board meeting.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Stuart Wheeler updated the meeting on the Communtiy Issues which had been received by the Area Board.  It was noted that items which had been referred to officers would be listed as “closed” on the issues system, although they could be re-opened if further consideration was requested following the response from the officers.

8.25pm

10.

Community Area Grants Scheme

To consider applications to the Community Area Grants Scheme.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to 11 applications for Community Area Grants.  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 Board.

 

Caroline Brailey reported that applications 1 and 4 (as listed in the report on page 37 of the agenda) had now secured the remaining funding, and so the recommended conditions as noted in the report could now be removed.

 

Decision

Great Bedwyn Youth Group was awarded £2,000 towards set-up costs for the group.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would enable the establishment of a youth group in this area.

 

Decision

Grafton Parish Council was awarded £170 towards a volunteer run community news publication.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would support this initiative to communicate news and community activities.

 

Decision

Coronation Hall, East Grafton, was awarded £870 to provide technology for those In the parish who do not have access or who need training.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would support this community initiative.

 

Decision

Pewsey Parish Council was awarded £2,500 towards moving existing play equipment from a small area to a new larger site including the installation of a safety fence around the new play zone.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would support Phase 1 of the Parish Council’s “Operation Lift Off”.

 

Decision

Chirton Parish Council was awarded £240 towards installation of seven kissing gates on footpaths in Chirton and Marden.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would improve access to rights of way in this area.

 

Decision

Ham Parish Council was awarded £736 towards replacement of five stiles with self-closing gates

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would improve access to rights of way in this area.

 

Decision

Manningford Memorial Hall was awarded £1,000 towards replacement of white goods in the kitchen.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would increase the potential for use of this hall.

 

Decision

Manningford Parish Council was awarded £950 towards purchasing gates at three sites incorporating existing 30mph signs to slow down traffic

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would support improved road safety and the visual appearance of the village entrance.

 

Decision

Rushall and Charlton Village Hall was awarded £1,000 towards replacement of the boiler in the kitchen and dryers in the toilets.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would increase the potential for use of this hall.

 

Decision

Easton Royal Village Hall was awarded £1,000 towards rewiring and refurbishment of the village hall electrical system.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2009/10 and would increase the potential for use of this hall.

 

It was noted that the application  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

8.50pm

11.

Performance Reward Grant Scheme

To consider whether the Area Board wishes to support any expressions of interest received in relation to applications to this funding pot.

Minutes:

It was noted that no expressions of interest for the Performance Reward Grant Scheme had been received.

8.55pm

12.

Evaluation and Urgent Business

The Chairman will invite comments and suggestions from the public on how the Area Board meetings could be improved.  Evaluation forms will be included in the packs at the meeting.

Minutes:

The Chairman reported back on the results of the consultation on spending priorities which had been undertaken at the start of the meeting:

 

The services coming top for prioritisation were: maintenance of existing roads, youth services, and adult social care for older people,.  Those services identified as areas for potential savings were: archives, trading standards, museums and road safety.

 

It was noted that these results would be fed into the Council’s budget setting process.

 

The Chairman encouraged those present to complete the evaluation forms included within the packs.

 

There was no other urgent business.

9.00pm

13.

Future Meeting Dates and Close

The next meeting of the Pewsey Area Board will be Monday 29 March 2010 at Bouverie Hall, Pewsey.

Minutes:

The next meeting of the Pewsey Area Board was scheduled for Thursday 29 March 2010, 7pm at Bouverie Hall, Pewsey.