Agenda item

To receive any updates from the following partners:

(a)  Wiltshire Police

(b)  Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

(c)  Health Services

(d)  Town and Parish Council Nominated Representatives

(e)  Corsham Community Area Network (CCAN)

(f)   Chamber of Commerce

(g)  Schools

(h)  Corsham Community Engagement Manager

The Chairman drew attention to the written updates contained in the pack.

A verbal update on Fire and Rescue was provided by Mark Unwin from Corsham Fire Station. Mr Unwin informed those present that the merge between Wiltshire and Dorset Fire Services was steadily moving ahead and would be live from 1 April 2016. Mr Unwin noted that he was confident that the Fire Service could still supply a good service to the people of both Wiltshire and Dorset. Cllr Tonge commented that it was important that the services worked together, in order to help save on costs.

Simon Burrell from NHS CCG detailed that there was a new provider of community care in place for Corsham. He also drew attention to the fact that how the health service was to deal with the more urgent side of care was being discussed and encouraged those present to use the Area Board as one arena in which such discussions could take place.

Anne Keat from Healthwatch Wiltshire updated that youngsters were being trained, in order to help be involved in the healthcare process.

Mike Kern, Box Parish Council, provided a verbal update on the 231 bus service. Cllr Macrae added that the previous operator of the bus service had chosen to discontinue the provision, however, the cabinet member, Cllr Whitehead, had agreed to increase the number of buses provided on the x31 route; in order to ensure that those who relied on the service, would still be able to access a suitable bus route. It was noted that there would be 1 bus through Corsham every half an hour and that the new service provider, Faresaver, had invested in double decker buses to accommodate for increased passengers during rush hours. The members highlighted that they had been working to ensure that bus services would be protected for Corsham.

Cllr Tom Hall, Colerne Parish Council, informed the meeting of the death of Cllr John Bull and commemorated Cllr Bull’s sterling service to the community, as well as his adventurous attributes; such as his climb of Mount Everest at the age of 75. Cllrs Tonge and Macrae also paid their respects to Cllr Bull.

A representative from Lacock Parish Council updated that 12 months after the clearing of the flooding had been completed; a flood plan was now in place. He also noted that there had been 2 fatalities on the A350 and that he would be writing to Wiltshire Council in this respect. Attention was also drawn to the fact that the Netflix production of ‘Young Shakespeare’ was being filmed in the area.

Sue Stockley, Corsham Chamber of Commerce, informed those present that the event ‘Corsham means Business’ had attracted over 300 visitors.

David Martin, Corsham Town Council, drew attention to the update provided in the pack.

Larry St Croix, Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, provided a verbal update on the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowships. Mr St Croix relayed that that Trust sponsored individuals to partake in expeditions and encouraged those present to apply. It was noted that an expedition of the sort that the Trust sponsored, would enable one to develop personally and professionally and, in turn, could benefit the community as a whole.

Richard Rogers, Community Engagement Manager, and Cllr Parker proposed that an Older Person’s Group be established for the Corsham area. Mr Rogers commented that there was a desire to coordinate and add value to services and that Wiltshire Council had asked for a local health and wellbeing board to be established; in order to help facilitate the coordination of health services for older people.

Mr Rogers outlined that in order to achieve such objectives, an Older Person’s Carer role would need to be established; the Carer would need to provide 1 day per week’s service for a full 12 months. Mr Rogers also added that, in order to help ensure that such a model would be sustainable; an Older Person’s Carer’s Champion was desired to be appointed too. It was detailed that such a role would be to help explore the views of older people and to liaise with the Area Board, to help advise where any funding should be allocated. Cllr Parker commented that the 2 roles were designed to be able to compliment and not replace current work and that, should her member-led initiative be approved, it would help to ensure that these 2 roles could be sufficiently created.

It was further detailed that there was a desire to support dementia awareness; such as by introducing ‘safe places’ within the town. Those present were informed that the ‘Good Neighbour Scheme’ was coming to an end and Rachel Sellens was thanked for her excellent service.