Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

Cllr Dick Tonge, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport was introduced by the Chairman and asked to provide an update on his area of responsibility.

Details were provided on the areas covered within his wide-ranging portfolio which included all highways issues, road repairs, flooding, car parking, speeding issues, markets, cemeteries and public toilets.

With specific reference to the over-height vehicle consultation Cllr Tonge confirmed that this was undertaken via delegated decision which commenced on 17 February and was initially expected to close on 5 April.  However the consultation period had subsequently been extended to ensure that Area Boards had an opportunity to provide comment and to ensure that accurate information was considered.  This included that a further traffic count was undertaken on the A342 Nursteed Road as the initial traffic count had failed due to a mechanical fault with the counter.

The consultation also included a report by the consultant, Mouchel, dated November 2010 and an internally prepared report dated September 2011.  A further report prepared by Mouchel in relation to the Chocolate Poodle bridge carriageway lowering dated 3 November 2010 was also considered.

The information provided within the initial Mouchel report highlighted two key areas of concern. This included the calculation of over-height vehicle usage figures which had been based on national statistics and had not been taken from Great Cheverell itself and indicated an average usage of 51 high-sided vehicles per day. 

In addition the report proposed that a more detailed review of the geometry and two way traffic flow should be carried out in relation to the bridge at ‘The Clock’. 

As a result an internal report had been prepared.  This report suggested that the actual number of vehicles was likely to be significantly lower than indicated.  A survey was then carried out using laser height measuring equipment that showed that only 5 overheight vehicles a day used the diversion route through Great Cheverell.

Upon further investigation regards to ‘The Clock’, no personal collisions involving HGVs had been recorded within the last 10 years in relation to the bridge.  Visibility was considered good in both directions and there was sufficient signage in place to warn of the narrowing road.

The final decision was published on 20 August as a result of the consultation and took into consideration an additional traffic count which compared usage of the A342 in June 2010 (of the 7217 vehicles counted, 326 were HGVs) and again in June 2012 (of the 7307 vehicles counted, 308 were HGVs).  This demonstrated that the advisory diversion signs in place had not increased the number of HGVs using this route.

A further report from Mouchel related to the lowering of the carriageway under the bridge at Chocolate Poodle as an alternative to the diversion signs and was estimated to cost in the region of £1m.  It was therefore agreed that as the cost would require at least 50% of the discretionary budget available the works in the current economic climate would not be justifiable and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

(a)       Wiltshire Police

Inspector Ron Peach referred the meeting to the written update in the agenda.

Upon questions received in relation to the detection rate provided in relation to non-domestic burglary Inspector Ron Peach confirmed that arrests had been made and that these would be reflected in the next update.

(b)       Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

            The written update provided in the agenda and further update as circulated at the meeting were noted.

(c)        NHS Wiltshire

The update provided on how primary health care will be commissioned in future was noted.

The Chairman proposed that the Board hold a meeting to receive further details on the reforms and how this would affect the local community.  Maggie Rae (Director Public Health and Wellbeing) would be invited to attend to provide details on the impact of the transfer of commissioning responsibilities for public health to Wiltshire Council.

Decision

That NHS Reforms would be added to the Forward Work Programme and that the Director Public Health and Wellbeing would be invited to attend to provide further details on the transfer of commissioning responsibility for public health.

(d)       Pewsey Community Area Partnership

Karen Hyde, the new co-ordinator for PCAP was welcomed to the meeting.  Clarification was provided that now the appointment had been made work would be undertaken to improve the profile of PCAP.

The next meeting of PCAP was to take place on 27 September at 7:00 pm at Rushall Village Hall – all welcome.

(e)       Parish Councils

Chirton Parish Council - Chirton School was to remain open for at least another year.

Pewsey Parish Council – A meeting was to be held on 11 September to consider the latest position in relation to the car parks.  Issues for discussion will include whether the Parish Council is entitled to take revenue generated from the market and and whether the parking lines can be redone jointly between the Parish Council and Wiltshire Council as part of the transfer of responsibility.

(f)        Pewsey Community Area Young People’s Issues Group (CAYPIG)

Several activities were taking place including a carnival workshop and later in the year a music night.

(g)       Pewsey Campus – Shadow Community Operations Board

The update as circulated was noted.

The next meeting would be held on 18 October.

(h)       Wiltshire Involvement Network (WIN)

            The update was noted.

The Wiltshire 11-19 Commissioning Strategy, agreed by Cabinet and the Wiltshire Children & Young People’s Trust in September 2011 included the formation of Youth Advisory Groups to enable young people to have a real say about services in their local area.  These were to be chaired by a young person under the age of 25 with over 50% of the membership under the age of 19.

The Area Board were invited to appoint a Pewsey Area Board and Parish Council representative to the Group.

Decision:

Cllr Jerry Kunkler was appointed the Area Board representative.

Gill Mortimer from the Wiltshire Police Authority was in attendance to provide a presentation on the changes to police forces in England and Wales with the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).  This role was introduced by government to increase accountability of the police and would, locally, replace the Wiltshire Police Authority (WPA).

Elections would be held on 15 November with PCCs expected to take office from 22 November.  The position of Chief Constable would still remain for operational matters.

To ensure as smooth a transition as possible a Shadow Police and Crime Panel had been established by the local authorities to monitor the transition of service.  Once the PCC was in place the Panel would provide scrutiny over the role of the PCC.  Wiltshire and Swindon Councils will jointly be responsible for maintaining the Panel.

A Partnership Board had also been established with the current Wiltshire Police Authority Chairman undertaking the role of PCC at meetings until the PCC was appointed in November.  The Board was setting up operational processes although these may be changed by the PCC once in place.

It was unclear at present where the PCC will be based but it was likely that the post will be within the Wiltshire Headquarters in Devizes initially.

The expected transition timelines were as follows:

·         Pre-election period begins (Purdah) – October 2012

·         Last point candidates can declare – 19 October 2012

·         Elections of Police and Crime Commissioners – 15 November 2012

·         Police and Crime Commissioners take office – 22 November 2012

·         PCC sends draft budget for 2013/14 to the Police and Crime Panel –
21 December 2012

·         PCC’s Police and Crime Plan is published – March 2013

The Chairman thanked Gill Mortimer for the presentation.

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.

Decision

Pewsey Parish Council was awarded £500 towards the production and publication of a Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2011/12 and would support several Community Area Plan priorities, including ensuring appropriate levels of affordable housing.

Decision

Woodborough social Club was awarded £4,400 towards a new boiler for the provision of heating and hot water.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2011/12 and would support several Community Area Plan priorities, including ensuring community facilities and events are maintained.

Decision

Little Bedwyn Playing Field Trust was awarded £4,000 towards the rebuild of the wall to the playing field, conditional upon the remaining funds being raised.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2011/12 and would support several Community Area Plan priorities, including supporting sustainability in the area.

Decision

Pewsey Vale Youth Football Club was awarded £323 towards the under 14’s football kit via a Small Grant Application.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2011/12 and would support several Community Area Plan priorities, including the continued provision of sports for young people.

To approve the Charlton & Wilsford Parish Council street light switch off request.

There was no urgent business to be considered.