Agenda item

To receive updates from the following partners:

a.     Wiltshire Police

b.     Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

c.     Highways: Community Co-ordinator

d.     Malmesbury and the Villages Community Area Partnership

e.     Town and Parish Councils

f.      Young people

The Area Board received the following updates from partners:

Wiltshire Police

Sgt. Martin Alvis discussed the report attached to the agenda, noting in particular, a 17.5% fall in Anti Social Behaviour. A drop in domestic burglaries was also noted. Martin confirmed that the police had executed a warrant and arrested a man in Bristol who was co-operating with investigations into non domestic dwelling burglaries across the region.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Mike Franklin circulated the latest Wiltshire Fire and Rescue statistics for the region and noted no significant issues to report.

MVCAP

Martin Rea discussed the Community Safety Forum to be held at Malmesbury Fire Station on Wednesday 27th March 2013 at 7.30pm. Martin also updated the Area Board on works at Station Yard, noting that the group planned to present its proposals to the Area Board in the near future.

Town and Parish Councils

Mayor John Gundry stated that the Malmesbury Town Council website is now up and running, and contains information on all matters regarding the Town Council.

Highways

The Area Board received an update from Matt Perrott, Highways Community Co-ordinator for the Malmesbury community area. Bill Parks, Local Highways Officer was also in attendance alongside Mark Dunleavy, Balfour Beatty Living Places Community Manager (North Area).

Matt discussed the ‘MyWiltshire’ app which can be downloaded onto Smart phones and tablets, and can be used to report local issues whilst ‘on the go’. The app can be used to report potholes, and in addition can be used to track the progress of local road and maintenance works.

Matt also discussed the winter period including the roll out of over 6000 sandbags to fight the recent bouts of flooding in the region. The Highways team had dealt with over 2500 requests during the winter period, which coupled with the impact of the weather, had negative affected the ability to effectively conduct highway repairs. Consequently the highways team would look to repair potholes across the local area. Matt confirmed he would be meeting with local Parish Councils and would in future develop a programme of scheduled visits across the region to ensure effective communications with local Parishes and Towns.

Bill discussed the issues affecting local communities as a result of the Network Rail planned works, and noted that the Council would be meeting Network Rail representatives to gain assurances regarding the adequate re-instatement of the local roads affected.

The Highways Major Maintenance Schedule for 2014 -2015 was discussed and areas affected were identified.

A number of local Councillors raised concern with state of the road by the BP Garage.  A Number of concerns were noted about water streaming down the hill, and this appeared to coming from a BT duct. The Highways Team assured residents that they were looking into the problem and hoped to resolve the issue in the near future.

The contact number for those who wish to report any Highways Issues in future is: 0300 456 0105. This can also be done via the ‘My Wiltshire’ app or by raising concerns with Matt directly on 01249 468561 / 07966 310655 or via email on Matt.Perrott@wiltshire.gov.uk.