Agenda and minutes

The Chairman, Cllr Sven Hocking welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Salisbury Area Board and invited the members of the Board to introduce themselves.

Apologies for absence had been received from:

·         Cllr Charles McGrath

·         Cllr Ricky Rogers

It was noted that Cllr Mark McClellan would need to leave the meeting at 7.00pm due to another engagement.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2022, as attached.

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2022, were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

There were none

The Chairman will give an update on outcomes and actions arising from previous meetings of the Area Board.

·         Cllr Mary Webb

·         Youth Work

Cllr Mary Webb 

With much regret the Chairman advised of the passing of Councillor Mary Webb who had died after a relatively short illness on the 10 of August 2022.  Mary was a longstanding resident of Salisbury and played a significant role within the local community.  Among many things, she was a local businesswoman and played an important role in the local business community in her role as Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, and more recently, in public service, as both a Salisbury City and Wiltshire Councillor representing the residents of the St Paul’s ward in the city.  Her ever-present support across our community will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The Area Board, offered condolences to her family.

Cllr Charles McGrath

Due to a recently diagnosed medical condition, Cllr McGrath would require intensive treatment and remain in hospital for several weeks. The Board wished him a speedy and complete recovery and look forward to having him back with them as soon as possible.

Youth Work

In connection with Salisbury, Southern Wiltshire and South West Wiltshire Area Boards’ Youth Priorities, Salisbury Area Board was working in partnership with Wiltshire College to jointly deliver a youth employment event, the provisional date being the 3rd February. 

The event would take over the whole of the college and offer up a day of interactive experiences from a wide range of local employers. Lots more to plan, and regular updates to follow.

The Deputy Principle of Wiltshire College had confirmed that the date is available and that they would accommodate up to 40 employers, with use of all floors of the college. 

The Board is asked to note the following Information items:

a. BANES, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board - August 2022

b. Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

c. Wiltshire Council Information Items:

1.    Post 16 Skills and Participation Offer

2.    Building Bridges Project

3.    Shared Lives Wiltshire

4.    Engagement and Partnerships Team Structure

5.    Annual Cavass

6.    Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living

7.    Temporary Event Notices

The Board noted the following Information Items which were available in the agenda pack:

a. BANES, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board – August 2022

b. Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

c. Wiltshire Council Information Items:

·         Post 16 Skills and Participation Offer

·         Building Bridges Project

·         Shared Lives Wiltshire

·         Engagement and Partnerships Team Structure

·         Annual Cavass

·         Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living

·         Temporary Event Notices

Partners may be available before the start, from 5.30pm

for networking and questions

To note the following written updates:

a)    Police

b)    Fire - video update: https://youtu.be/4AFZoVIszBQ? 

c)    Salisbury BID – website link

And, to receive verbal updates from:

a)    A36 Working Group

b)    Underpasses Working Group

c)    Air Quality Group

Note: Speakers are reminded that they each have a 3 minutes slot, unless they have previously discussed alternative arrangements with the Chairman.

The Board noted the written updates provided in the agenda pack and received the following verbal updates:

A36 Working Group

In the absence of Lead Member, Cllr McGrath, the Board noted that the A36 Working Group was awaiting an update on a historical matter and would provide a fuller update at the next meeting.

Underpasses Working Group

The Vice Chairman thanked all involved in the work on the city underpasses, noting that National Highways had been provided with the report for comments. Actions arising from the last meeting included a poster campaign ‘Making our City Safer’ and a request to SCC to deploy its Facilities Management team to see if some of the faulty lights could be repaired.  Wiltshire Creative was also involved in a summer project. Further updates would be available at the next meeting.

Air Quality Group

In the absence of Lead Member Cllr Charles McGrath, the Board noted that the Air Quality Group was currently working through the Action Plan and would provide a further update at the next meeting.

National Highways

The Chairman introduced Chris Hilldrup, Route Manager,  National Highways, who was in the city on a fact finding mission which would include a tour of the city underpasses with the Chairman the following day. 

A large part of Chris’ new role was Stakeholder Management, which would involve improving relationships and working with local councils and the work on the A36 network, including a study to look at ways to improve traffic flow and reduce journey times between the College roundabout and the junction with New Petersfinger Road. Modelling on 5 scenarios for that stretch of Highway is hoped to be completed early in 2023.

The Board thanked Chris and welcomed further updates from him in due course.

An update from David Redfern, Associate Director Leisure, Culture & Communities.

David Redfern, Associate Director Leisure, Culture & Communities, gave an update on Salisbury City Hall, the main points included:

·         NHS lease confirmed until March 2023.

·         Essential building maintenance work required ahead of mobilisation.

·         Report due to go to Cabinet in October to outline the options available to remobilise City Hall and to agree a way forward.

·         Bid to the Levelling Up fund submitted requesting funding to improve the building ahead of remobilisation.

·         Funding decision due late 2022/early 2023.

David confirmed that there was no current plan to make City Hall available to the NHS indefinitely and in addition to meetings with community representatives he welcomed suggestions being put forward for consideration. David agreed to look into the process for approving the use of the unused area fronting onto Fisherton Street, for small event use and feedback.

Future updates would be presented at the Area Board.

A presentation from Heather Blake, Senior Transport Planner, on the consultation responses received to date.

Heather Blake, Senior Transport Planner, provided information on the Salisbury and Wiltshire Local Cycling and Walking Implementation Plans (LCWIP) Consultation which had been extended to run until 26 September 2022.

As part of the Government objective for Active Travel in England, the council aimed to incorporate physical activity into everyday life through walking, scooting or cycling instead of travelling by car.

Some of the key walking improvements proposed include:

•         Segregation of Town Path

•         Segregated River Park and Maltings routes

•         New paths to developments

•         Subway improvements

•         Traffic & on-street parking reduction needed to widen footways:

–        Car clubs

–        Public transport improvements

–        Cost of petrol, etc.

•         Further public consultation required

Proposed cycle routes:

•         Sets out rough alignments of schemes:

–        may alter as schemes are developed

–        further consultation on each scheme

•         Segregated or quiet streets where possible, but shared paths are only option in some locations

•         On street in city centre apart from Maltings/River Park: requires traffic reduction

•         Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Routes (arcgis.com)

In response to questions, Heather confirmed that the reduction of on street parking was aimed at encouraging people to use the carparks.

The options brought about as part of the new River Park scheme would enable better contacts and additional funding opportunities.  Feasibility studies would need to be carried out to establish possible options.

The development of additional cycle or shared routes into the town were being investigated.

Heather agreed to look into setting up a meeting between the relevant officer and interested community groups to discuss further suggestions raised at the meeting.

The Board thanked Heather for her support and work across the city and wished her well in her new role. 

1.    That the contents of the report and Appendix B are noted.

2.    To note the actions being taken to address the non working highway lighting assets

3.    That a copy of Appendix B be shared with the Council’s Strategic Property Services team with a request that they take action to address their non working lighting assets.

4.    That the suggestions for additional lighting on the public highway be raised by the SWSI with the LHFIG.

5.    That suggestions for additional lighting in other areas be raised with the appropriate land owner and / or responsible body by the SWSI. 

The Board noted the report and recommendations relating to the Salisbury Women’s Safety Initiative (SWSI) following a night-time audit on street lighting
provision in the city.

Liz Batten of Salisbury Soroptimists noted her thanks to all who had participated in the audit which had been carried out by the Salisbury Women’s Safety Initiative (SWSI) over a period of 5 days. The findings were provided within the report and appendices.

A number of organisations were responsible for street lighting across the city, these included:

• Wiltshire Council Highways – lighting on the public highway,
• Wiltshire Council Strategic Property Services – Council owned land not
• recorded as public highway
• National Highways – associated with the A36 Trunk Road
• Salisbury City Council
• Privately owned (for example Waitrose carpark, railway station)

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, Street Scene and Flooding supported the shared desire to improved measures for residents and visitors as part of the Salisbury safety initiative, thanking all of the volunteers who had contributed to the extra level of investigation.

The council planned to install 45k new lights across the county, which included some of those listed within the report.

Requests for new lighting would need to be made from the capital budget which was already under extreme pressure due to existing requests. The Board was able to consider funding request through the LHFIG.

The Board praised the work of those involved in the joint efforts to address faulty streetlights around the city, noting the need to review the situation at intervals, to ensure continued levels of maintenance were monitored and for there to be some consideration on the clarity of the numbering system, which it had been reported was often missing or difficult to read

The Board supported the wider promotion and/or signposting to the online reporting system, the ‘My Wilts’ app, which enabled the community to log faulty lights by individual number and location.

The Board also requested that an update report be presented at the next meeting on 1 December 2022.

Decision

The Salisbury Area Board:

1.    Noted the report and Appendices and the actions to address the non-working highway lighting assets and requested that a copy of Appendix B be presented to the Council’s Strategic Property Services team to take action to address non-working lighting assets.

2.    Supported further suggestions for additional lighting on the public highway be raised with the LHFIG and that any additional lighting not on the public highway be raised with the appropriate landowner and / or responsible body by the SWSI.

3.    Supported the promotion/signposting of the My Wilts App for future reporting of faulty lighting.

4.    Requested that the numbering street light numbers be made more visible and replaced where necessary.

5.    Requested an updated Annex B report be presented to the next meeting on 1 December 2022.

To receive updates from our Lead Members for the following Area Board Priority Areas:

·         Youth engagement, employment and positive activity opportunities – Cllr Rogers

·         Addressing climate change – Cllr Hocking

·         Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing – Cllr Corbin

·         Supporting underrepresented groups – Cllr Corbin

·         Improving transport and access – Cllr McGrath

The Board received updates from Members and the Area Board Support Officer, Karlene Jammeh, for the following Area Board Priority Areas. The main points are listed below:

Youth engagement, employment and positive activity opportunities – Cllr Sven Hocking on behalf of Lead Member Cllr Ricky Rogers

• Salisbury Youth Forum active
• Diverse and inclusive youth panel developed
• Salisbury Youth Voice event
• Youth Investment project in Bemerton Heath
• FUEL Holiday Activity and Food Program 2022
• Youth Employment Fair in early 2023 across the 3 Southern Community Areas

Addressing climate change – Lead Member Cllr Hocking

• Salisbury Air Quality Management group action plan
• Community Climate Change network
• Five Rivers community garden project
• Local green business awards
• Salisbury River Park project
• Climate Change event 2023

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing – Lead Member Cllr Corbin

• Silver Salisbury Program 2022
• Older People’s Champion and Carer’s Champion
• Safer and Supportive Salisbury – Camerado’s and Safe Places initiatives
• Mental Health Network
• Dementia Friendly City
• Celebrating Age project
• Making our City Safer conference

Supporting underrepresented groups – Lead Member Cllr Corbin

• Salisbury Foodie Network and Taste Salisbury initiative
• Disability Interest Group
• Salisbury Pride group
• Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine
• Bemerton community conversations
• Welcoming and warm spaces initiative

Improving transport and access - Cllr Sven Hocking on behalf of Lead Member Cllr Charles McGrath

• Underpasses working group
• A36 Southampton Road
• Audits of underpasses
• Community artwork
• Salisbury Future High Streets Fund

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 7 September 2022, as set out in the attached report.

Recommended LHFIG funding:

·       4a - £2,100

·       4c - £2,500

·       4e - £1,500

·       4f - £3,000

·       4g - £1,000

The Board noted the minutes and considered the recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 7 September 2022, as set out in the attached report.

Decision

The Salisbury Area Board approved the LHFIG funding for the following schemes:

·         4a - £2,100 – Additional measures on New Petersfinger Road (L&FPC to contribute £1,400, Southern Wilts LHFIG to contribute £2,100)

·         4c - £2,500 – Netherhampton Rd Improvements to Zebra crossing (subject to match funding confirmation by SCC)

·         4e - £1,500 – Pembroke Rd – Replacement glazing to bus shelter

·         4f - £3,000 – Milford Mill Road – Measures to reinforce speed limit

·         4g - £1,000 – Amendments to TROs for Hamilton Rd & Marlborough Rd.

To consider any applications for funding, as detailed in the attached report and summarised below:

Officer: Karlene Jammeh,  Area Board Delivery Officer Karlene.jammeh@wiltshire.gov.uk or Karen Linaker, Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager karen.linaker@wiltshire.gov.uk

The Board considered applications for funding as set out within the grants report attached to the agenda.

The Chairman invited a representative from each of the applications to give a brief overview of their project to the Area Board.  After each of the applicants had spoken the Chairman invited questions and discussion.

The Area Board members then voted on each application.

Community Area Grants:

Arundells – Roots & Shoots Community Garden Project - £500 requested.

Applicant Beth Thomas, working with Rebecca Twigg set out the project for a community garden which would involve working with a group of veterans. The aim was to build a shelter so that work could continue through all the seasons.

Decision

Arundells was awarded £500 towards the Roots & Shoots Community Garden Project.

Reason – The application met the Grants Criteria 2022/23

Salisbury Transition City – Low-cost air quality monitors - £495.53 requested

Applicant Elaine Reid explained that the project was part of the Action Plan of the Air Quality Action Group – to purchase some small particle matter monitors.

Decision

Salisbury Transition City was awarded £495.53 towards Low-cost air quality monitors.

Reason – The application met the Grants Criteria 2022/23

Older and Vulnerable Adults Funding:

Families Out Loud – Salisbury Client Support – requested £767

Decision

Families Out Loud was awarded £500 towards Salisbury Client Support.

Reason – The application met the Grants Criteria 2022/23

Wiltshire Music Centre, Celebrating Age Wiltshire - £1,500 requested.

Applicant, Rebecca Seymour explained that this was a second phase to a project for isolated older people.

Decision

Wiltshire Music Centre was awarded £750 towards Celebrating Age Wiltshire.

Reason – The application met the Grants Criteria 2022/23

Safer and Supportive Salisbury – refreshment of the Safer Places Scheme in Salisbury - £500 requested.

Anne Trevett explained the plan to revamp the much-needed initiative for the city.

Decision

Safer and Supportive Salisbury was awarded £400 towards refreshment of the Safer Places Scheme in Salisbury.

Reason – The application met the Grants Criteria 2022/23

Youth Funding:

Family Counselling Trust Wiltshire – Thriving Salisbury Project - £5,000 requested.

Applicant Alison Sankey set out the project to provide 6-8 sessions to families.

Decision

Family Counselling Trust Wiltshire was awarded £5000 towards Thriving Salisbury Project.

Reason – The application met the Grants Criteria 2022/23

Take Part Team – SHIFTS Social I was born in the wrong decade project - £2,000 requested.

Applicants Louise Dancy, Elise Williamson and Youth Ambassadors (Archie & Mia) explained the project.

Decision

Take Part Team was awarded £2000 towards SHIFTS Social I was born in the wrong decade project.

Reason – The application met the Grants Criteria 2022/23

Future Meeting Dates (6-8pm):

·         1 December 2022

·         9 March 2023

For information on funding deadlines for these meetings, contact the Delivery Officer, Karlene Jammeh karlene.jammeh@wiltshire.gov.uk  or Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager, Karen Linaker karen.linaker@wiltshire.gov.uk

The next meeting of the Salisbury Area Board would be held on 1 December 2022 at 6.00pm.