Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for the forthcoming year.

The Democratic Services Officer called for nominations for the position of Chairman for the forthcoming year.

Cllr Tom Rounds nominated Cllr Tony Trotman, which was seconded by Cllr Trotman.

Cllr Ashley O’Neill nominated Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney, which was seconded by Cllr Ian Thorn.

As there were two valid nominations, the Democratic Services Officer called for a show of hands from those members in favour of each nominee. Having secured the most votes, the Area Board made the:

Decision

To appoint Cllr Pearce-Kearney as Chairman for 2023/23.

To elect a Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year.

The Chairman called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year.

Cllr O’Neill nominated Cllr Trotman, which was seconded by Cllr Thorn.

There were no further nominations.

Decision

To appoint Cllr Trotman as Vice-Chairman for 2023/24. 

To welcome attendees to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to Calne Area Board and introduced the councillors and officers present.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from:

·       Alan Hill – Calne Town Council

·       Isabel McCord – Bremhill Parish Council

·       Inspector Pete Foster – Wiltshire Police

·       Dean Hoskins – Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

·       Katie Brown – Prevention and Wellbeing Team (Wiltshire Council)

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2023.

On the proposal of the Vice-Chairman, seconded by Cllr O’Neill, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2023 as a true and correct record.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman declared that they were members of Calne Town Council, defined as an Other Registerable Interest in Wiltshire Council’s Code of Conduct. However, they had been granted dispensations to vote on the town council’s applications by Wiltshire Council’s Standards Dispensation Sub Committee, so would vote on their application.

Cllr Rounds and Cllr Thorn also declared that they were members of Calne Town Council. The Democratic Services Officer noted that Wiltshire Council had resolved, on 16 May, to delegate responsibility for the approval of dispensations for Other Registerable Interests to the Monitoring Officer. The Monitoring Officer was in attendance at the Area Board, so Cllr Rounds and Cllr Thorn requested dispensations to vote on Calne Town Council’s grant application. The requests to vote were approved by the Monitoring Officer.

The Chairman, Cllr Thorn and Cllr O’Neill all declared interests in relation to the Friends of the Marden Valley grant application. Cllr O’Neill clarified that he was making a declaration for the purposes of transparency. Cllr O’Neill and the Chairman only attended their meetings, so it was not an Other Registerable Interest as defined in Wiltshire Council’s Code of Conduct. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that the Chairman and Cllr O’Neill would be able to participate and vote on the Friends of Marden Valley application.

Cllr Thorn declared an Other Registerable Interest, as he chaired the meetings of Friends of Marden Valley. It was clarified that Cllr Thorn would be able to participate in the debate, as the public would be able to speak, but would have to leave the meeting for the vote on their application.

The Chairman will provide information about: 

a.    Cost of Living Support

b.    Independent Visitor Scheme

c.     Wiltshire Libraries – online support

The Chairman drew attention to the following information included in the agenda pack:

·       Cost of Living Support pg.11 - 12

·       Independent Visitor Scheme pg.13

·       Wiltshire Libraries – online support pg.15

To receive an update from the partners listed below:

a.    Wiltshire Police

b.    Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

c.     Community First

d.    Healthwatch Wiltshire

e.    BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Together – Integrated Care Board

f.      Calne Community Safety Forum

g.    Town and Parish Councils.

Written updates were available in the agenda pack from the following partners:

·         Wiltshire Police, pg. 17-26

·         Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, pg. 27-30

·         Community First, pg. 35-38

·         Healthwatch Wiltshire, pg. 33

·         BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Together – Integrated Care Board, pg.31

·         Calne Town Council, pg. 39

The following partners also provided verbal updates:

Wiltshire Police

Sgt Mike Tripp gave an overview of recent operations and community policing work. Key points included:

·         The new Chief Constable, Catherine Roper, was passionate about community policing and keen to improve engagement.

·         Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Mark Cook had been working closely with local schools and youth clubs.

·         There had been fewer incidents of youths coming from Devizes to Calne exhibiting violent behaviour. Community Protection Warnings had been given to several individuals.

·         PCSO Nicole Sheppard was operating again in the Calne Area.

·         Operation Exit had seen the police work alongside licensed premises to reduced anti-social behaviour in Calne and make the public feel like it was a safe environment for an evening out.  

·         The town had recently had an issue with drink related anti-social behaviour, with a particular issue with underage drinkers being supplied with alcohol by older people. However, Sgt Tripp was pleased to say that recent efforts to tackle this issue had reduced the number of incidents.

During the discussion, the Area Board thanked the police for their community engagement work. Cllr Rounds praised the impact that the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable for the positive action they were taking, stating that their work was paying dividends with a noticeable increase in police presence. Cllr Thorn reported that he had attended a Neighbourhood Watch event in Devizes where they had shown an excellent video on online safety and suggested that this topic could be considered at a future Area Board. 

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

Watch Manager Tom Burns provided an update. In response to a query from the Vice-Chairman about their online recruitment the Watch Manger said they had had a positive response, although did face challenges getting employers to release their employees at the appropriate time. The Watch Manager confirmed that there was no upper age limit for volunteers, although they would be expected to complete a fitness test.

Calne Community Safety Forum

Diane Gooch from Calne Community Safety Forum explained that they received a presentation from PC Jonathan Bourke at their last meeting and were trying to set up safe spaces for people with dementia. An event about understanding dementia would take place in Calne Library at 2pm on 1 June and they would be working closely with local businesses. 

Calne Without Parish Council

Keith Robbins explained that they had recently held their annual Full Council meeting and that road safety had been an important area of focus, particularly in Derry Hill and Studley. The parish council were conducting a survey of footpaths in the area to establish their usage and maintenance requirements. They also aimed to write a pamphlet about the different types  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

To receive updates from the Area Board Delivery Officer and Lead Councillors about the progress made towards the Area Board’s priorities over the last year.

The Area Board Delivery Officer, Louisa Young, introduced a report detailing the progress that the Area Board had made towards its priority goals since 2021. The Area Board then watched a video about some of the valuable projects that they had supported.

To set the Area Board’s priority actions for the forthcoming year and appoint Lead Members to those priority areas.

Having reviewed the progress that they had made towards their priorities over the past two years, the Area Board were invited to consider their priority actions for the forthcoming year and to appoint Lead Members to those priorities.

Cllr O’Neill noted that he had not been a Lead Member for a specific priority area for 2022/23 as he had been Chairman of the Area Board. He spoke about his keen interest in improving transport in the Area Board and suggested adding transport as a fifth priority area, which he could lead on.

The other members welcomed Cllr O’Neill’s suggestion and stated that they felt it would be beneficial to retain their priority areas from 2022/23 in order to build upon the work that they had already undertaken.

On the proposal of Cllr O’Neill, seconded by Cllr Thorn, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To retain the four existing priority areas and appoint the same Lead Members as 2022/23.

On the proposal of Cllr O’Neill, seconded by the Chairman, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To add transport as a fifth priority area with Cllr O’Neill appointed as Lead Member.

• Young People – Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney

• Older People – Cllr Tom Rounds

• Environment – Cllr Ian Thorn

• Economy – Cllr Tony Trotman

• Transport – Cllr Ashley O’Neill

To appoint Lead Members to the Area Board’s Outside Bodies and any Working Groups not already covered under the previous item.

The Area Board were invited to appoint Lead Members to their outside bodies and working groups. They were also asked to note the terms of reference of the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) and confirm the Area Board’s Older Person’s Champion.

Cllr O’Neill stated that he would welcome the opportunity to take on the chairmanship of LHFIG as it would tie in well with his role as Lead Member for transport. Cllr Pearce-Kearney explained that he was content to relinquish the chairmanship of LHFIG now he had become Area Board chairman. The other Area Board members confirmed that they were happy to carry on with their existing appointments to working groups and outside bodies. Diane Gooch, the Area Board’s Older Person’s Champion, also confirmed that she was happy to continue in her role.

On the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by Cllr O’Neill, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To appoint Cllr O’Neill as Chairman of LHFIG for 2022/23.

On the proposal of Cllr O’Neill, seconded by the Chairman, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To reappoint all members to their existing roles on outside bodies and working groups from 2022/23 [excluding the LHFIG as noted above].

* Working groups linked to the Area Board’s priority areas

On the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Thorn, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To note the terms of reference of the LHFIG as listed on pg. 51-54 of the agenda pack. 

On the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by Cllr O’Neill, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To confirm Diane Gooch as the Area Board’s Older Person’s Champion for 2023/24.

To receive an update from Cllr Tony Trotman about the S106 Working Group meeting on 27 April 2023.

The Vice-Chairman gave an update from the last meeting of the S106 Working Group on 27 April 2023. Key points included:

·         Milestone had conducted a series of trial holes to explore the possibility of widening Abberd Brook Way.

·         Discussions were ongoing about rights of way near to the former Co-op site whilst the planning application was awaited.

·         Potential bids for S106 money would be put in for any planning approvals on Sand Pit Road.

·         Connectivity between sites was very important.

Although not S106 money, discussion turned to the recent £7 million grant from the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund to improve safety on the A3102. Cllr Thorn noted that Calne Town Council was investigating the possibility of using this funding to improve the White Heart roundabout. Cllr Thorn suggested setting up a workshop with local parishes to see what the priorities were in the local area for the use of this funding. Cllr O’Neill welcomed the suggestion and stated that, as Lead Member for transport, he would be happy to set up a working group and invite representatives from each parish. Shawn Warren-Willcox from Hilmarton PC welcomed the plan, explaining that it was important to ensure that the views of smaller parishes were heard.

To consider three applications to the Community Area Grants Scheme, as follows:

1.    Atwell Wilson Motor Museum requesting £1,100 towards a defibrillator.

2.    Calne Food Bank requesting £2,278.50 towards relocation to new premises.

3.    Friends of Marden Valley requesting £3,250 towards river quality measurement.

To consider four applications to the Youth Grants Scheme, as follows:

1.    Calne Town Council requesting £1,220 towards 2023 Stake Series events.

2.    Youth Adventure Trust requesting £4,000 towards supporting vulnerable young people on a resilience programme.

3.    The RISE Trust Youth requesting £5,000 towards youth clubs.

4.    The RISE Trust Youth requesting £4,960 towards detached youth outreach.

Consideration was given to three applications made to the Community Area Grants Scheme. Applicants were invited to speak in favour of their applications.

Atwell Wilson Motor Museum Requesting £1,100 Towards a Defibrillator

On the proposal of Cllr O’Neill, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To award Atwell Wilson Motor Museum £1,100 towards a defibrillator.

Reason

The application met the 2023/24 Community Area Grant criteria.

Calne Food Bank Requesting £2,278.50 Towards Relocation to New Premises

The Area Board Delivery Officer noted that it may also be possible to bid for further funding from the government’s Household Support Fund.

On the proposal of Cllr Thorn, seconded by Cllr O’Neill, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To award Calne Food Bank £2,278.50 towards a defibrillator.

Reason

The application met the 2023/24 Community Area Grant criteria.

Friends of Marden Valley Requesting £3,250 Towards River Quality Measurement

Having declared interests Cllr Thorn and Cllr O’Neill left the room, so did not participate on the debate, or vote on the application.

On the proposal of Cllr Rounds, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To award Friends of Marden Valley £3,250 towards river quality measurement. 

Reason

The application met the 2023/24 Community Area Grant criteria.

Cllr Thorn and Cllr O’Neill returned at 19:55pm.

Consideration was given to three applications made to the Youth Grants Scheme. Applicants were invited to speak in favour of their applications.

The Area Board Delivery Officer noted that the Area Board would have £2,663 remaining in the Youth Budget for the rest of the financial year if all of the applications were approved in full. She noted that the application from Calne Town Council had been deferred from the previous meeting as not enough members had received dispensations for the meeting to be quorate. It was confirmed that the stake series event could not be funded from the 2022/23 Youth Budget, despite initially being due for consideration at the last meeting.

Calne Town Council requesting £1,220 towards the 2023 Skate Series Event 

On the proposal of Cllr Rounds, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To award Calne Town Council £1,220 towards the 2023 Skate Series Event.

Reason

The application met the 2023/24 Youth Grant criteria.

Youth Adventure Trust Requesting £4,000 Towards Supporting Vulnerable Young People on a Resilience Programme

The Area Board received information about the adventure and mentoring programme and sought confirmation about the ages of the children that would benefit. On the proposal of Cllr O’Neill, seconded by Cllr Thorn, it was resolved to make the decision:

Decision

To award The Youth Adventure Trust £4,000 towards supporting vulnerable young people on a resilience programme.

Reason

The application met the 2023/24 Youth Grant criteria.

The Rise Trust (Youth) Requesting £5,000 Towards Rise Youth Clubs

Members welcomed the proposals and thanked the Rise Trust for the fantastic work that they were doing. Some members did raise concerns about the level of detail included in the application and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

To receive feedback from the engagement event held on 15 May.

Cllr O’Neill reported feedback from the event held on 15 May. The themes discussed included, active travel, potholes and air quality. He explained that there had been a brilliant networking session and that there was huge passion about improving the crossroads at Studley and Derry Hill. John Derryman, the Swindon and Wiltshire’s Strategic Planning and Performance Officer in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office had delivered a presentation. Samantha Howell, Wiltshire Council’s Director for Highways had also been in attendance, delivering an update on junction safety on the A3102.

To consider the recommendations arising from the LHFIG meeting held on 28 April 2023 as follows:

To close the following Issues:

·       3-22-10 Calne Abberd Lane

·       3-22-19 Calne Silver Street

·       3-22-23 Calne Brewers Lane

To move the following Issues (with funding) to the Priority Schemes List:

·       3-23-4 Foxham Speed Limit Assessment (£2030)

·       3-23-7 Ratford Horse Warning Signs (£700)

·       Old Derry Hill Road Narrows Warning sign (£350)

To move the following Issues (without funding) to the Priority Schemes List to enable feasibility studies / costings to take place:

·       3-23-4 Bremhill Parish Gates

·       3-23-5 Calne Parking Review

·       3-23-6 A342 Derry Hill speed limit roundels / HFS

·       3-23-8 Sandy Lane Gate and signs

·       3-23-10 A4 Old Derry Hill extension to safety barrier

·       3-23-11 Derry Hill Traffic Management Measures

·       3-23-12 Studley Village Traffic Management Measures

The Area Board considered the recommendations of the LHFIG meeting held on 28 April 2023.

On the proposal of Cllr O’Neill, seconded by Cllr Thorn, it was resolved to make the:

Decision

To close the following issues:

·         3-22-10 Calne Abberd Lane

·         3-22-19 Calne Silver Street

·         3-22-23 Calne Brewers Lane

To move the following issues (with funding) to the Priority Schemes List:

·               3-23-4 Foxham Speed Limit Assessment (£2030)

·               3-23-7 Ratford Horse Warning Signs (£700)

·               Old Derry Hill Road Narrows Warning sign (£350)

To move the following issues (without funding) to the Priority Schemes List to enable feasibility studies / costings to take place:

·               3-23-4 Bremhill Parish Gates

·               3-23-5 Calne Parking Review

·               3-23-6 A342 Derry Hill speed limit roundels / HFS

·               3-23-8 Sandy Lane Gate and signs

·               3-23-10 A4 Old Derry Hill extension to safety barrier

·               3-23-11 Derry Hill Traffic Management Measures

·               3-23-12 Studley Village Traffic Management Measures

Any other items of business which the Chairman agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items.

The Chairman will set out arrangements for the next meeting scheduled for 5 September 2023.

The date of the next Area Board was confirmed as 5 September 2023 at 6:30pm in Calne Hub and Library.