Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Area Board Members, the officers and the guest speakers in attendance which included, Laurie Bell, Associate Director Communities and Communication and Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner.

Apologies for absence were received from:

Bob King, Pewsey Community Area Partnership (PCAP)

Carolyn Whistler, North Newton Parish Council

Mike Franklin, Wiltshire Fire & Rescue

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2013.

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2013 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 received.

To consider the following announcements:

a.    CIL consultation

The following announcements were noted:

·         Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – Wiltshire Council was in the process of preparing a Charging Schedule which would include proposed rates.

A consultation on the Schedule would commence on 13 January and end on 24 February 2014.  Further details were included in the announcement, a copy of which can be found attached to these minutes.

·         Integrated Performance Management Report – An announcement was provided by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) relating to the release of the Report.  A link to the Report could be found in the announcement.

·         Core Strategy – The Independent Planning Inspector has reported its findings to the Council on the Core Strategy which included a requirement to increase new housing in Wiltshire from 37,000 to 42,000.  Further information on the Inspectors findings and the Council’s response to it could be found on the Council’s website.

The Board will be updated on the events and activities following the success of 2012 and how the county is delivering a legacy as a result of this extraordinary year.  Throughout 2014 there will be a series of major events which will impact on communities across the county. These include The Big Pledge, Cycle Wiltshire, Wiltshire EXPO and plans for the commemorations of WW1.

The Chairman welcomed Laurie Bell, Associate Director Communities and Communications to the meeting.  Laurie Bell would be providing a presentation on events and activities following the success of 2012 and information on a series of major events taking place across the County.

The presentation included the following:

Economy

Since 2012 several events had taken place to support the economy, this included hosting Salisbury EXPO, ‘Wealth of Wiltshire’ fayres and business breakfasts across the county.

There would be more Wealth of Wiltshire fayres taking place in 2014 and the authority were planning a business and sporting dinner, to be held at County Hall Trowbridge, to help support future Olympians and Paralympians.  This would take place in March and all businesses were encouraged to take part.  A further EXPO event in Chippenham was planned for June.

Keeping Healthy and Active

Several successful health fairs had been held across the county.  To build on the success of the younger generation becoming more active, Going for Goals (a children’s football competition) had also taken place as well as schools participating in local Olympic Games in Chippenham.

The authority wished to build on this further and would be providing more health fairs across the county with the next taking place in February at County Hall.  Further support would also be provided to schools to encourage a wider roll out of the Olympic Games.  All were encouraged to participate in Cycle Wiltshire, a major national British cycling event that would be taking place in Salisbury on the weekend of 3 and 4 May.

Bringing Communities Closer Together

One of the positive results of 2012 was the impact on local communities who, as a result of the Olympics and Jubilee celebrations were proven to be strong and happier as a result of community activities.  The authority was keen to build on this further and highlighted the ‘Big Pledge’ which encouraged communities to think about ways in which pledges could be made to benefit the community as a whole.

WW1 commemorations

2014 was the centenary of the start of the first world war which was being recognised nationally.

Due in part to its connection with the military, Wiltshire Council was planning an event to mark the event which was likely to be held on Salisbury Plain.  Discussions were underway with the military to develop this further.  Communities were encouraged to think of ways in which they could commemorate the event with Wiltshire Council happy to help where possible in taking this forward.

Legacy for Pewsey

The legacy already demonstrated within the Pewsey community area included funding towards the ‘Have a Go’ carnival, the war memorial at East Grafton and for EPIC (Employment Prospects Improvements Club), which helped young people into work.

In concluding the presentation, Laurie Bell highlighted the positive impact that could be achieved, including stronger communities, improved wellbeing and a future generation that would be healthy, active and resilient.  All were encouraged to consider how they might participate in the legacy.

The Chairman thanked Laurie  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive any updates from partner organisations:

(a)       Pewsey Area Campus Team

Curly Haskell confirmed that since the previous update the team had received details of the pool survey which had raised some maintenance issues.  The team expected to receive further options shortly. 

The team also continued to work towards developing multi use space, shared with the school.  Planning permission was being sought and it was hoped that the area would be ready for use later in the Spring.

(b)       Wiltshire Police

            Matt Armstrong referred the meeting to the written update in the agenda which gave a flavour of what the team were trying to achieve in the Pewsey community area. 

            The performance figures highlighted in the report demonstrated that reported crimes were heading in the right direction other than for vehicle crime with the public reminded to remove valuables from their vehicles.

            A recent meeting had taken place to discuss East Grafton byways.  It was now likely that a further temporary closure would be put in place before a request for permanent closure was sent to the Secretary of State.

(c)        Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

            Jason Underwood, of Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, referred the meeting to the written update and clarified as follows:

The Public Safety Plan had been issued and highlighted that the Pewsey vale area had been classified as above risk in terms of call out.  Further details were provided in the Plan which could be found via the following link:

http://www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/

Paul Egan, of Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, was also in attendance to provide an update following concerns raised regarding recruitment.  Paul confirmed that the Service was required to recruit within set guidelines, including minimum academic standards. 

The Service was currently working on a recruitment plan and would welcome input from the Board.  The Service was looking at ways in which they could help interested parties in reaching the academic requirement to enable them to apply at a later date.

Paul also highlighted that retained fire fighters were required to either live or work within 5 miles of the fire station.

Paul Egan was invited back to the Board in six months time to give an update on the latest recruitment position relating to the Pewsey area.

(d)       NHS Wiltshire

No update was provided.

(e)       Pewsey Community Area Partnership

Patrick Wilson of the Pewsey Community Area Partnership (PCAP) gave an update on the work of PCAP.  This included:

Emma Barron (PCAP Coordinator) had recently resigned to take up a full time position.  Susie Brew had now been appointed to the position and had already commenced work.

PCAP would be co-hosting the JSA event in February and would use the outcome of this to help identify future projects.

The core activity of PCAP would be to provide engagement with parish councils on a continuing basis with a quarterly survey to help identify issues of importance to them.

Following questions received, Patrick confirmed that details of the precise role of PCAP would be circulated within the new few weeks.

 (f)       Parish Councils

Woodborough Parish Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consult on the Police and Crime Plan, budget and precept.

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner, attended the meeting to provide details on the consultation taking place on the proposed police precept for 2014/15 and the rationale behind the proposed increase.  This included:

In 2010 the central government grant had been approximately £74m but was expected to be around £51m for 2014/15.  In 6 years to 2017 it was predicted that the grant to Wiltshire would be reduced by 23% (approximately £17m).

Taking into consideration general inflation it was likely that by the end of 2016 there would be a funding gap of approximately £25m.

The precept element of the council tax for police and crime had been frozen for the last 3 years, made possible by the ‘freeze grants’ offered by central government.  There was no guarantee that this grant would remain in the future and the PCC office were therefore planning for the future accordingly.

The Wiltshire Police Authority precept was the lowest regionally and one of the lowest nationally and an external assessment had shown it to be one of the most efficient forces in the country.

The proposed 2% increase (which equated to approximately £3.15 for a Band D property in 2014/15) would still keep Wiltshire police authority below that paid elsewhere in the South West and would help to protect front line services, noting that since 2010/11 headcount had reduced as follows:

Police Officers – 13%

Police Community Support Officers – 1%

Support Staff – 19%

Partnership working was also taking place to reduce costs further with a strategic partnership in place with Wiltshire Council sharing buildings and back office staff. 

The proposed increase over the next 3 years would reduce the funding gap by £2.3m, resulting in required savings of £12.5m rather than £14.8.

To maintain front line services recruitment campaigns for officers had taken place.  Recruitment of PCSOs were also required.

Investment was also required in IT services to bring the Authority up to date with technology requirements.

All were requested to complete the consultation forms available on each table and were signposted to the PCC website as follows where further details could be found:

www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk

Following questions received the following information was provided.

Following the departure of the ambulance service and fire brigade from the call centre at the headquarter the police had been left to manage the building and were using the opportunity to refresh it with plans to take both 111 and 999 calls to maximise usage.

The proposed precept increase was as a result of trying to bridge the increasing funding gap and to protect services where possible.

The cost of the office of the police authority was estimated to be below budget for 2013/14 and at a cost significantly lower than the previous structure.

The Chairman thanked Angus Macpherson for the presentation.

To receive a presentation on the current position with regards to the review of local bus services.

Ian White, Head of Service Passenger Transport gave a presentation on the current position on the review of local bus services.  This included:

The Council recognised the importance of public transport and the benefits for those without their own transport.  However funding pressures had resulted in a need for all services to make savings, including within Passenger Transport.

Savings had already been achieved but more were required to ensure that future services were on a financially stable footing in the future.

The scope of the review included all services financially supported by the Council with a focus on those which were poorly used or expensive to produce.

The team were currently reviewing the Pewsey Vale Connect2 services but all supported services would be reviewed in time.  The review would include core ‘circular’ routes, infrequent direct routes, Taxibuzz and Nightbus service.

The overall cost to the Council equated to approximately £4 per passenger carried which was high and above set guidelines.  The Taxibuzz and Nightbus service costs per passenger were higher still.   Usage in the East of the area was also lower.

Options currently being considered were:

·         Withdraw Nightbus and Taxibuzz services.

·         Reduce services east of Pewsey to reflect demand.

·         Can services run to fixed (or largely fixed) routes to remove need for a call centre?

·         Retain current circulate routes or replace with linear routes between Pewsey and Devizes

A decision was needed on the options to be consulted as part of the review process following which consultation invitations and information sheets would be sent for Area Board consideration.

The information from the consultation would be used to refine/amend proposals following which invitations for tenders to operate would be issued.  It was hoped that any changes would be implemented by October 2014.

A request was made that any changes to the service take into consideration any future campus’ around the county and the need for transfer to be available for their use.  The use of the Nightbus on a Friday night to bring young people into the Shak (youth centre) from the villages was also mentioned as a service that should not be lost.

The Chairman thanked Ian White for the presentation and asked that all respond to the consultation once underway.

Rose Seagrief will be in attendance to give a presentation on the work of the Community Land Trust.

Rose Seagrief gave a presentation on the Wiltshire Community Land Trust which included the following information.

The Community Land (CLT) Trust was set up 3 years ago to help communities take control of their own assets.

Land Trusts were set up to develop and manage land and buildings on behalf of the community and held that property in trust.  Ownership by the Trust could include affordable homes, work units and energy schemes for example.

Wilton CLT was highlighted as an example of what Trusts could do.  The Trust had expanded to incorporate advice centres to help people save on energy.

It was beneficial for groups seeking to establish themselves as a Trust to research other successful Trusts beforehand.

The role of the Wiltshire CLT was to provide advice and hands on support for those wishing to set up a CLT themselves. 

Leaflets were provided on the tables and contact details highlighted as follows:

E-mail: rose@wiltshireclt.org.uk

Website: www.wiltshirecommunitylandtrust.org.uk

The Chairman thanked Rose for the presentation and encouraged interested parties to visit the website for further details.

To consider the following funding requests:

·         Stanton Village Fund - £1,213 towards the resurfacing of the village hall car park.

·         Wilton Windmill Society - £2,212 towards the purchase and installation of a new storage facility.

·         Stonehenge and Pewsey Canoe Club - £3,300 towards the purchase of a changing room and storage facility.

·         Upavon Parish Council - £500 towards the purchase of an AED Defibrillator system.

·         Alton Barnes Coronation Hall - £900 towards the replacement of 16 tables.

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

Stanton Village Hall was awarded £1,213 towards the resurfacing of the village hall car park.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2013/14.

Decision

Wilton Windmill Society was awarded £2,212 towards the purchase and installation of a new storage facility.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2013/14.

Decision

Stonehendge and Pewsey Canoe Club was awarded £3,300 towards the purchase of a changing room and storage facility.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2013/14.

Decision

Upavon Parish Council was awarded £500 towards the purchase of an AED Defibrillator system.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2013/14.

Decision

Alton Barnes Coronation Hall was awarded £900 towards the replacement of 16 tables.

Reason The application met the Community Area Grants criteria for 2013/14.

To consider the report arising from the last meeting held on 4 December and any recommendations contained within.

The Chairman drew the Board’s attention to the CATG report arising from its last meeting held on 4 December.

Before asking the Board to consider the recommendations, they were asked to note that the recommendation for £15,000 to be contributed from next year’s budget towards the Great Bedwyn Bridges scheme had now been withdrawn as the funding was now to be provided via the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.  The issue would remain on the system however, until works concluded.

Decision

The Area Board agreed to a detailed design being done for pedestrian access to Pewsey Station.

Councillor Stuart Wheeler will give an update on the progress made regarding issues which have been raised with the Area Board.

Councillor Stuart Wheeler updated the meeting on the Community Issues which had been received by the Area Board.  Particular reference was made to the following issues where additional information was provided:

Issue 2981 – A camera had now been installed.

Issue 2874 – a preliminary study had been carried out.

Issue 2469 – Work was being scheduled but had not yet started.

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

There were no urgent items considered.

The next meeting of the Pewsey Area Board is scheduled for 10 March 2014, 7pm at Burbage Village Hall, Eastcourt Road, Burbage SN8 3AJ.

The next meeting of the Pewsey Area Board was scheduled for Monday 10 March 2014, 7pm at Burbage Village Hall.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending.