Agenda and minutes

The Chairman will welcome those present to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting and introduced Councillor Jane Scott OBE, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet Representative for Highways and Transport.  

Apologies for absence were received from Andrew Carnegie (Malmesbury Town Council), Jo Howes (NHS Wiltshire), Sid Jevons (Malmesbury and the Villages Community Area Partnership) George Lynham (Luckington and Alderton Parish Council), Terry Mockler (Hankerton Parish Council), John Parmiter (Lea and Cleverton Parish Council), Bryn Rowlands, John Tremayne (Easton Grey Parish Council), Andrew Woodcock (Malmesbury Town Council), Sue Webb (Malmesbury and the Villages Community Area Partnership) and Tom Winch.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2010.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chairman will provide information, as in the agenda pack.

The Chairman drew attention to the written announcements included in the agenda pack. He thanked people for their questions to Councillor Scott and those that had been received in good time had been responded to and were on the tables (and attached in the minutes). 

Councillor Thomson was delighted to inform the meeting that two local volunteers from the Malmesbury Community Area had won awards at the first Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Awards ceremony, organised by Wiltshire Council with NHS Wiltshire last month. The local winners were David Sheppard for community leadership and Iona Pinchis for volunteer of the year.

David was secretary and Chairman of Ashton Keynes Village Hall and he had been on the committee since 1987. His volunteer work had ensured the village hall now held the Hallmark quality status award one and two and he had organised the booking system so that it could now be carried out electronically. He had also set up a website for both the village and the hall, was a member of the local school’s PTA and had organised the local annual fireworks display since 1981. Iona was a carer before she retired and she continued to help people in the community. Her voluntary work included shopping, collecting medication, cooking lunches and arranging trips for people and fundraising for local groups. Many people relied on her help and one elderly lady would not be able to remain in her own home without Iona’s dedication.

An additional award was voted on by members of the audience who attended the VCS awards evening, who were asked to decide which project they wanted to see win the best community initiative nominated by an Area Board. Councillor Thomson was very pleased to announce that Malmesbury Youth Development Centre Skate Park steering group came second.

Information was provided about the 2011 census. The census had collected information about the population every ten years since 1801 (except in 1941). The next census in England and Wales was on 27^th March 2011. Wiltshire Council and the Office for National Statistics wanted to publicise the census in Malmesbury Community Area and promote locally there were around 250 census jobs being created across Wiltshire in 2011 (please apply at www.censusjobs.co.uk). The Chairman asked for those at the meeting to use their local knowledge to inform the Area Board of potential areas that may be hard to count in the community, such as travellers, communes, religious establishments and migrant workers, as they would have funding implications.    

To receive updates from the following partners:

a)    Wiltshire Police

b)    Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

c)    NHS Wiltshire

d)    Malmesbury and the Villages Community Area Partnership

e)    Town and Parish Councils.

The Chairman welcomed Anna Mead from The Stroke Association to the meeting. Anna and her colleague joined Area Board members, Great Western Ambulance Service and NHS Wiltshire on Saturday 30 October to promote Stroke Awareness in Malmesbury town centre. This activity formed part of the Area Board follow up to the Health Fair held earlier this year, after which the Area Board pledged to address three main health concerns, one of which was stroke. 

The aim of the day was to raise awareness about strokes so people could learn how to reduce their risk and recognise the symptoms. Since high blood pressure could put you at greater risk, staff from NHS Wiltshire & Great Western Ambulance Service took people’s blood pressure, which proved very popular. 

About 80 people had their blood pressure taken and were given lifestyle advice. Those people who had a high result were advised to see their GP. Anna spoke briefly about the role of the Stroke Association.

The Chairman then noted the written updates from partners included with the agenda pack and invited partners to add any further information if appropriate.

a) The written update from Wiltshire Police was circulated at the meeting, please find attached to minutes. Inspector Steve Cox commented that an increase in low level anti-social behaviour was often seen with the darker evenings, linked to persons congregating in public areas that were poorly lit. They were often doing nothing wrong; however their presence could give rise to a fear of crime. Inspector Cox was pleased to announce there had been very little anti-social behaviour in Malmesbury Community Area and no incidents were reported over Bonfire night and Halloween.

The written update showed that over a three month period, the Malmesbury Community Area had on average 93 incidents of anti-social behaviour. It was explained that from a Police Incident Log perspective, this figure included many incidents the average person would not consider to be anti-social behaviour, for example livestock on roads. Very few incidents related to abuse, alcohol or persons gathering in public areas.

Councillor Soden underlined that front line services would not be affected by the reported budget cuts. She also congratulated Inspector Cox and Wootton Bassett Police Station for their success at the Annual Jane’s Police Review Awards. The awards celebrated outstanding achievements in community policing and Wootton Bassett Police Station had been awarded the Special Recognition Award 2010. The police team at Wootton Bassett Police Station had faced a unique set of pressures and challenges with their work with the repatriations from RAF Lyneham, all of which had, as we have seen in the news, become sadly too frequent.

b) The written update from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was noted. Michael Franklin apologised that the information provided was not as up to date as he would wish. He highlighted the need to ensure that chimneys for wood burning fires were swept every three months when in use. If you burn bituminous coal, the chimney should be cleaned at least  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To provide Malmesbury Area Board with feedback on the consultation undertaken.

Councillor Tonge, Cabinet Representative for Highways and Transport, gave feedback on the car parking strategy consultation. The consultation had arisen from the move to a unitary Wiltshire Council. Councillor Tonge explained the consultation process; how Wiltshire Council informed people and who responded. County wide responses showed overwhelming support for the economy and for meeting residents’ needs for parking. Comments from Malmesbury highlighted residential parking schemes, car parking at St Joseph’s School, the emptiness of the long term car park and frustration regarding parking in the town.

A Cabinet decision making meeting would take place on 14 December and this would lead to statutory processes in place by April 2011.

Additional comments and questions were taken from the floor. This covered the following issues:

·         The spaces taken out at Cross Hayes would not be re-instated for safety reasons. Minimum standards that applied to spaces were not being met

·         A ‘flying squad’ was requested to enforce parking restrictions in evenings. Councillor Tonge would take this to the relevant Officers

·         The decision not to prosecute Hyams Autos because of their use of short term car parking spaces in the town would not be revisited due to cost implications

·         Malmesbury Town Council were the point of contact if the provision of coach parking spaces in the town remained an issue

·         Season tickets for local businesses would be considered in the report

·         The policy framework for residential parking schemes would be considered in the report to go to Cabinet in December. How and where possible schemes would be would be looked into at a later stage in the process

·         The policy on conversion of grass areas for parking was in the report to go to Cabinet in December

·         Consideration of parking permits at Cross Hayes for St Joseph’s Primary School would be informed by revised policy in Spring 2011 and the school would be informed of relevant policy changes.

The Community Area Manager will provide a summary of current community issues and the Area Board will agree those to be closed.

The Chairman explained that following the Malmesbury Town Council public meeting on 9 November, he would like to make a statement regarding proposed development in Malmesbury. Please find a copy of this statement attached. Councillor Killane had also considered the issue and put forward a proposal to the Area Board. Please find a copy of this attached to the minutes. Councillor Killane stated that it was important for the community to get organised and have an input into visioning how Malmesbury Community Area should develop. It was essential to get the Town Council, the Chamber of Commerce and local organisations together and to link with the Area Board to work out the infrastructure and development needs of the Community Area.     

Wiltshire Council was currently developing guidance to assist Town Councils and other local community stakeholders undertake town planning. The town planning process sought to enable local communities to lead the direction of planning for their towns, feel a sense of ownership and contribute directly to decisions affecting their local areas.

Draft guidance was being prepared and a workshop had been planned for 10 December to which representatives of Town Councils had been invited. The emerging guidance proposed that a steering group should be set up to oversee the process and made suggestions for the membership of the group in order to reflect a cross section of the local community. It also suggested that Wiltshire Council Officers could be advisory members of the group.

The issue identified by Councillor Killane of taking a co-ordinated approach to the future housing growth and infrastructure needs of the town could fit in well with this process.

The guidance was being prepared during a time of Governmental change, including reforms to the planning system. It was intended that the workshop would help shape the guidance and evolve in response to changes to the planning system so that the documents prepared add value to the decision making process.  

In addition, with regard to considering future development options for the town and scale of growth to be accommodated, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet on 19 October agreed that in light of the revocation of Regional Spatial Strategies Wiltshire’s housing requirement would be determined through a comprehensive review. The review would involve local communities and respond to the implications of the Localism Bill when it was published.

Following publication of the Bill, a consistent methodology and approach to considering future levels of growth with Wiltshire’s communities would be prepared. Councillor Thomson underlined that Wiltshire Council would be supporting communities like Malmesbury to work on the core strategy for the future. Wiltshire Council would provide information on housing, school needs and the suchlike as soon as possible to enable discussions to take place with good knowledge. This was followed by a short discussion, which covered the following main points:

·         There was no specific budget provision for this community work. Support from Wiltshire Council would be in the form of Officer time and expertise and the evidence needed for each community  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Councillors will be asked to consider the Community Area Grants and make recommendations on the applications received, as follows:

a)    Oaksey Parish Council - seeking £600 towards the cost of a replacement notice board, conditional on the balance of funding being in place.

b)    Athelstan Players - seeking £746 to replace fascia boards and undertake repairs to guttering and downpipes at the Athelstan Players Studio, conditional on the balance of funding being in place.

c)    1^st Sherston Scout Group – seeking £3319 towards the cost of flooring, security and electrical and water heating at the scout headquarters.     

And to consider other financial matters.

Decision

Oaksey Parish Council were awarded £600 towards the cost of a replacement notice board, conditional on the balance of funding being in place.

Reason

The applications meets the 2010/11 grant criteria and there was an implied reference within the Community Plan 2009-2013, to improve communication, since this was at the heart of community engagement.  

Decision

Athelstan Players were awarded £746 to replace fascia boards and undertake repairs to guttering and downpipes at the Athelstan Players Studio, conditional on the balance of funding being in place.

Reason

The applications meets the 2010/11 grant criteria and there was some reference to access by adults to cultural activities and young people wanting more entertainment in the Community Plan 2009-2013.   

Decision

1^st Sherston Scout Group were awarded £3319 towards the cost of flooring, security and electrical and water heating at the scout headquarters, conditional on the balance of funding for the whole project being in place.

Reason

While the application only partially meets the 2010/11 grant criteria, the application demonstrates links to the Community Plan 2009-2013, in that it provides a centre for activities for the young people who live in the village whether they are members of the scouts, guides or individuals who join in holiday schemes organised by the parish council.

Decision

To approve the cost of installing a speed detection radar device in Ashton Keynes at a cost of £353 to enable monitoring to be undertaken associated with the Local Transport Allocation project.

Reason

This would enable preliminary work associated with monitoring speeds/vehicles in the village to be undertaken.

Decision

To endorse the decision to allocate £45 to provide a Wiltshire Council caravan for use at the Malmesbury stroke awareness event on 30 October 2010.

Reason

An opportunity had arisen following the 15 September Area Board to undertake some promotional work to raise awareness among local people to stroke prevention and recognition of symptoms, linked to World Stroke Day on 30 October.  

Decision

To delegate authority to the Community Area Manager, in consultation with the Area Board Councillors, to approve expenditure between meetings up to £500.

Reason

This would be in an effort to avoid retrospective endorsement of funding allocation. Decisions taken under this delegated power would be reported to the next Area Board meeting.  

Councillors will be asked to determine the allocation of new grit bins in the Community Area (see attached).

Councillor Sturgis explained that Councillors had been asked to determine the allocation of new grit bins in the Community Area.

The Council provided grit bins at suitable locations on minor roads not routinely treated with salt. The bins were filled with salt at the beginning of the winter season, and refilled periodically as the salt was used. Following the severe weather last winter a large number of requests for additional bins were received. It was not feasible to meet the cost of providing and filling all the additional bins requested, but it would be possible to provide about 100 new bins in the county. It was proposed that each Area Board should have a 10% increase in the number of bins in their area. This amounted to six new bins in the Malmesbury Community Area.

Councillor Sturgis emphasised the issue was not the provision of bins, but keeping them filled. Parish Councils could either collect grit from the highways area depot or request that they have a stock delivered before Christmas. A supply of approximately 1 ton of grit could be delivered to a Parish Council if this could be stored under cover in a safe place and ONLY used for pavements and highway, please contact CLARENCE on 0800 232323.

The Area Board had considered the twenty four requests received for new bins.

Decision

Six new grit bins would be allocated to Malmesbury, Hankerton, Lea and Cleverton, Sherston, Leigh, to be allocated to the Swan Lane/Hillside junction, and Luckington, to be allocated to Alderton Cross Roads. Those Town and Parish Councils given a choice of where the bin was to be placed (Malmesbury, Hankerton, Lea and Cleverton and Sherston) should contact the Community Area Manager with where they would like the bin to be placed at the earliest opportunity, on 01672 515742 or miranda.gilmour@wiltshire.gov.uk.        

Councillor Jane Scott will provide a short overview of her role as Leader of Wiltshire Council. There will then be the opportunity to ask Councillor Scott questions.

Councillor Jane Scott provided a short update about her role and the position Wiltshire Council was in to manage Government directives. Councillor Scott had been elected Leader of Wiltshire Council in 2009 for a period of four years. She led a Cabinet of nine members from across the county, two of whom were Councillors Thomson and Sturgis. It was the responsibility of the Cabinet to set policies which were then agreed by Full Council. The challenge was then to deliver those policies within budget. Wiltshire Council’s gross budget came close to £1 billion, which was used to deliver 300 services. At present, the new coalition Government was likely to change the whole of the public sector.  

There had been a 28.4% loss of grant from central Government to Wiltshire Council over four years. The majority of this would be front loaded and in the first year. Wiltshire Council already had a business plan based on a 25% grant reduction. This had to be reassessed to increase savings.

Front line services would not be cut or support services for vulnerable people, such as the elderly and vulnerable children. Investment would continue to be made in new services such as leisure, waste and recycling and fast broadband. As 2-3,000 people were likely to be made redundant from the public sector, investment in the economy would be important in order to retain and attract the private sector.

Savings would be made as 240 managers would be leaving the Council in the next three months. £354 million was spent on procuring goods and services and Wiltshire Council was looking to save each year over the next four years. A complete major services review would be undertaken. Councillor Scott urged the public to get in touch if they were aware of any savings that could be made to help the Council to become more efficient.

This was followed by a short question and answer session, which covered the main points below:

·         Wiltshire Council was intent on a 0% increase in Council Tax certainly 2011/12 and hopefully 2012/13

·         Progress on encouraging a wider range of people to become Councillors was difficult given the time commitment required by the role. It was up to political parties to encourage people in and divide their work accordingly

·         The impact of 170 planned units to be built in Malmesbury, especially given the existing issue with the number of primary school places available in the town

·         The attractiveness of new housing in terms of development gain. Wiltshire Council debated the revenue brought by new housing as it was accompanied by costs. Councillor Scott felt that Malmesbury was taking the correct approach with local planning and decision making

·         The challenge of local planning to larger villages as well as the town. Some villages had existing services and development might help to sustain them in the future

·         The next review on spending on the special needs unit would take place in 2012

·         Councillor Scott had written to Eric Pickles, Secretary of State  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To include information on the consultation on the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan 2011-2026. 

The Chairman provided information about the consultation on the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan 2011-2026.

Wiltshire Council had a statutory duty to review and publish a new Local Transport Plan (LTP) by the end of March 2011. In essence, Local Transport Plans steered the implementation of national transport policies at the local level.

Consultation on the draft Local Transport Plan would run from 4 October to 26 November 2010.

The preferred method of communication was for comments to be submitted online at: http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal,where electronic copies of all the documents would be available. Paper copies of the summary document, questionnaire and a reference copy of the Local Transport Plan were also available from all libraries and main Council offices.

The Council’s Cabinet and full Council would consider the results of the consultation in February 2011 prior to the publication of the final Local Transport Plan in March 2011.

The Chairman then invited those present to indicate their views about the meeting, by means of the electronic voting handsets provided. Overall the meeting was judged to be good. As the next Area Board meeting would take place on Wednesday 19 January 2011, the Chairman wished those present a happy Christmas and New Year.