Agenda item

To note the written reports and receive any updates from the following:

      i.        Wiltshire Police

    ii.        Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

   iii.        NHS Wiltshire

   iv.        Trowbridge Community Area Future (TCAF)

    v.        Community Area Young People’s Issues Group (CAYPIG)

   vi.        Trowbridge Town Council

  vii.        Parish Council Nominated Representatives.

a)    Partner Updates

A number of written updates from partners contained within the agenda pack were noted. Further updates were received as follows:

Wiltshire Police

Inspector Dave Cullop touched upon the Comprehensive Spending Review and the impact on policing in Wiltshire. He reassured people that there were no plans to reduce resources in any of the Community Areas; however the number of Neighbourhood Policing Teams would be reduced to make operations more efficient. Wiltshire Police would also be launching an improved website from 4 April 2011.

Councillor Jeff Osborn enquired about statistics for drug-related crimes, as these were not currently provided. Inspector Cullop stated that these could be provided if required.

Councillor Helen Osborn asked if there was an update on the Safer Schools Partnership. Inspector Cullop stated that the schools were reluctant to commit at the moment due to uncertainty in funding.

Councillor Peter Fuller commented on the increase in dwelling burglaries and thefts from vehicles. Inspector Cullop commented that this was consistent across West Wiltshire and that property was still being left unlocked. The most up-to-date figures showed that burglaries were now decreasing.

NHS Wiltshire

Jeff James, Chief Executive of NHS Wiltshire, provided an update on progress with plans for a new Primary Care Centre in Trowbridge.

The original intention to develop a single-building option was no longer a possibility as the relevant parties would not commit to this, however the first phase of a two-building development had been agreed and signed off and so this option was being pursued. Discussions were currently taking place with the four GPs and a three-month deadline to conclude these discussions had been set.

One of the main considerations at present was whether to develop an additional building or to refurbish existing facilities on the current hospital site.

Recent legislative changes had resulted in powers being taken away from PCTs as they ‘wound down’, particularly regarding the buying and selling of land. This meant that the PCT had to go through the Strategic Health Authority which may take a bit more time. It was difficult to provide a timescale for the development of the Primary Care Centre, as a lot would depend on the planning process. Jeff confirmed that all of the services planned for the single-building option would still be available in the two-building option.

Community Area Young Peoples’ Issues Group (CAYPIG)

The CAYPIG thanked the Area Board for its continued support of the group, and updated that a meeting had been held with Trowbridge Town Council regarding the need for lighting at the skate park. It was hoped that feedback could be provided in May. The CAYPIG was hoping to be able to use the Resource Centre on Manor Road for future meetings.

b)   Outside Body Updates

Transforming Trowbridge

Councillor Jeff Osborn announced that the official opening of the Knees electrical store on Fore Street had taken place. There was also some interest in the Bowyers site. A meeting was taking place next Tuesday regarding recreational land, and the main objective was the possibility of changing rooms at either the Stallard or Seymour pitches. A sports hub was also being looked at, similar to the Chippenham hub.

The Chairman announced that Councillor Tom James had recently resigned as the Area Board’s representative on the CAYPIG.

Decision

Councillor Helen Osborn was nominated as the Area Board’s representative to the CAYPIG.