Agenda item

Written Updates attached are:

·         Police – Neighbourhood Team Update

·         Fire & Rescue Service

·         Wiltshire Council Updates: –

1.    Changes to Street Lighting

2.    School Place Planning

·         Southern Wiltshire Issues System

·         Health Watch Wiltshire

·         Any other comments or reports

The Board noted the written updates attached to the agenda and received the following verbal updates:

Police – Inspector David Minty

Non-domestic burglaries were down 38% on last year, but dwelling burglaries were up 12%, which equated to an additional 3 burglaries for the 12 month period. The situation would continue to be monitored to look for any underlying causes.

Another cross-border operation was planned to coincide with the Dorset Steam Fair, at the beginning of September.

New PCSO Guy Hammil had started in Alderbury. Chief Constable Pat Geenty retires next week, DCC Mike Veal would take his place having gone through the Police Commissioner’s selection process and subsequent endorsement by the Police and Crime Panel.

A written update would be provided and attached to the minutes.

Fire & Rescue Service – Mike Franklin

Mike introduced Dave Geddis, Group Manager, who was in attendance to answer any questions on operational matters. The written Update had been missed off the agenda and would be attached to the minutes.

Some local Fire Fighters had recently been to Nepal to assist with the aftermath of the earthquake.

A scheme was due to be launched to heighten the awareness of fires in thatched properties. Mike would be liaising with the CAM to invite residents with thatched properties to a special event.

John Martin from Landford Parish Council noted that the issue with fire engines from the Romsey area using Gleebe Lane had now been addressed following discussions with the Fire Officer for the area.

WC Updates – Changes to Street Lighting

Cllr Ian McLennan drew attention to the information paper regarding the planned programme for switching street lighting off around the county. Much of the lighting would be switched off in Laverstock, Ford and Old Sarum as part of the programme. There had been no consultation on this phase of the project, Cllr McLennan felt that this was unacceptable.

Decision

The Southern Wiltshire Area Board supported Cllr McLennan’s request that no lighting should be switched off until the Local Councillor and the Parish Council concerned had been consulted on the proposals.

Issues System

Two issues submitted by Downton, 3984 and 3985 were considered on 19 May and were both being taken forward.

Some progress had been made with Issue 2940, however this had turned out to be a more difficult scheme than had first been anticipated and a footpath diversion was needed. A bid would be made to Wiltshire Council’s Substantive Scheme Budget for funding.

The Chairman noted that the Board had been advised to use the Issues system to log all Issues, not just Highway and Maintenance related issues, so that action could be taken.

Questions and comments:

·         Was there an update on the road traffic calming measures for Odstock? Answer: We still do not have a date, the Highways Engineer was chasing this for us.

·         3865 – the restriction had been installed following a request by the NFNPA. But it is not in their area?

Any other reports or updates

There were none.