Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Heather Parks, Clerk of Sutton Veny Parish Council.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2023 were presented for consideration and it was;

 

Resolved:

 

To approve and sign as a true and correct record of the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2023.

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

In relation to Item 11, Community Area Grants – Cllr Pip Ridout declared an Other Registerable Interest (ORI) in relation to being the Treasurer forGrovelands Countryside and Wildlife Volunteers. As set out in the Code of Conduct, she did not take part in the vote or discussion on the item.

 

In relation to Item 11, Community Area Grants – Cllr Tony Jackson declared an Other Registerable Interest (ORI) in relation to being a Trustee of the Warminster Health and Wellbeing Forum. He chose to remain in the room but did not take part in the vote or discussion on the item.

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

The Chairman of the Area Board made the following announcements:

·       The next meeting of the Area Board on 23 January 2024 would be a Highways themed meeting, with only urgent business to be considered.

·       The meeting set to take place on 21 March 2024 would be a standard business meeting with grant applications to be heard at the start of the meeting.

The Board is asked to note the following items:

 

·       Community First

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Wiltshire Local Plan Review

·       Wiltshire AGE UK Newsletter

·       Wiltshire Life Awards 2024

·       Polling District and Polling Place Review

The Chairman of the Area Board drew attention to the following information items, which were contained in the agenda pack:

 

·       Community First

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       Update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Wiltshire Local Plan Review – A session was set to take place at Warminster Sports Centre on 18 October for discussions.

·       Wiltshire Life Awards 2024

Verbal Updates:

 

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

 

·       Warminster Community Police Task Group (CPTG)

·       Warminster Health and Wellbeing Forum

·       Town and Parish Councils Nominated Representatives

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

 

Written Updates:

 

The Board is asked to note the following written and online updates attached to the agenda:

 

·       Wiltshire Police

Updates were received from the following partners:

 

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board noted a written updates attached to the agenda and supplement. In addition, Inspector Kevin Harmsworth provided a verbal update which covered the following points:

·       An overview of the Local Priorities and updates was provided, including the following areas which had been included within the agenda pack: Antisocial behaviour in the town centre, Rural Crime, Road Safety and Community Engagement.

·       Residents were encouraged to report any forms of anti-social behaviour.

·       It was noted that most crime types had remained low however there had been a spike in missing young people, with it detailed that for each missing person a dedicated investigation was set up followed by a safeguarding wraparound for the family involved.

 

After the verbal update, there was time for the following questions and points to be made:

·       Clarity was provided that the mobile police vans would be similar size to a mobile library and would have a toilet as well as facilities to make hot drinks.

·       A discussion took place regarding the sharing of police content on social media, with it noted that the force was looking to recruit to provide data for specific postcodes. It was additionally agreed that the Police would check the ability for residents to share posts.

·       A resident wished to get in touch with the local equality and diversity officer, to which it was suggested that they contact the following email address: WarminsterAreaCPT@wiltshire.police.uk

·       Clarity was provided regarding speeding that civilian enforcement officers take speed guns out with the evidence captured able to be used towards prosecutions.

·       It was noted that Inspector Harmsworth had 46 officers and staff across his neighbourhood and response teams, with a view to achieving further numbers through recruitment. The PCC also noted that the Police had 162 more officers than they did two years ago and were currently running at 95% attendance.

·       It was stated that wrap around outreach support was offered for youth vandalism crimes, involving health services, schools and any organisations the police might feel are appropriate.

 

·       Warminster Community Police Task Group (CPTG)

The Area Board noted a written update attached to the agenda supplement.

 

·       Warminster Health and Wellbeing Forum

The Area Board noted a written update attached to the agenda.

 

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Station Manager Mark Hillier, provided a verbal update which covered the following points:

·       The service had tried to reduce risk and harm in communities by targeting those who might be vulnerable and do not have smoke detectors, with Safe and Well visits able to be booked by request online.

·       Work had taken place with local businesses to protect them from fire, with visits also able to be booked online.

·       Warminster was a very well recruited station, with it noted that the Station Watch Manager was set to retire after 42 years of service.

·       There had been no spike in incidents or incidents of interest.

 

After the verbal update, there was time for the following questions and points to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive an update from the Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson.

Cllr Christopher Newbury took Chair of the meeting at this point.

 

The Area Board received an update from Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Philip Wilkinson. The update covered the following matters:

·       An overview of the role of the PCC was provided, with it noted that his job was to hold the Chief Constable and Police force to account for the delivery of an effective policing service.

·       When the PCC arrived in his post, radical reform was needed, and this was highlighted when Wiltshire Police was placed into special measures “engage” in summer 2022.

·       The PCC listened to residents of Swindon and Wiltshire to produce a police and crime plan.

·       The Police operational model had been improved with more officers now on the frontline to improve outreach as well as that two mobile Police stations had been funded.

·       It was highlighted that an area for improvement was the response times to 101 calls in the call centre, however the Chief Constable had put radical reforms in place with increased staffing, new technology and better shift systems. The PCC now also received a daily report on response times and huge improvement has been made.

·       Regarding drugs and County Lines, collaborative work (Operation Scorpion) had taken place with all five Police forces across the Southwest, with all five of the forces now within the top ten performing forces nationally for County line disruption. Currently Wiltshire is the top performing force in this area.

·       It was highlighted that for high harm violence crimes, Wiltshire had previously been one of the lowest performing forces with a 2% success rate, however this had now risen to 12/13% with the Chief Constable focused on driving performance.

·       More work was being conducted towards victim support, with the force looking to better engage with victims as well as preventative and early engagement action.

·       The rural crime team had now been expanded as well as having new equipment, with an aim of targeting organised crime groups in the county and a piece of collaborative work with the other Southwest forces set to follow.

·       It was outlined that in 2021 Wiltshire Police had issued 192 speeding tickets, compared to this year where over 6,000 tickets had already been issued.

 

After the verbal update, there was time for the following questions and points to be made:

·       Gratitude was placed towards the work conducted by the PCC.

·       Praise was placed for the SID data programme, which had been very encouraging in areas such as Chapmanslade.

·       Concern was raised from representatives of Corsley, Chapmanslade and Maiden Bradley, who reported that they had experienced issues with lorry weight limit enforcement in their areas; with examples cited of HGVs climbing pavements and often speeding with heavy freight. The PCC noted these concerns and stated that he would speak with colleagues to produce a comprehensive solution to the problem, with more money promised to assist such concerns. It was also noted that in the Devizes Police Headquarters, data and resources were available on a 24-hour basis.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive an update from Colonel Roy Jones regarding the Warminster Garrison.

The Area Board received an update from Colonel Roy Jones on behalf of the Warminster Garrison. The update included the following points:

·       It was outlined that the Councillors were key links between the Garrison and the community of Warminster.

·       Currently there was 1,100 soldiers and families who live in the Warminster Community.

·       The culture and purpose of Garrison was outlined, including an overview of the workforce dynamic and site map.

·       It was noted that the Garrison was set to increase in size in August 2024 with a new unit of 250 soldiers and families set to join as an Experimentation Battalion with a need to use local services such as schools and health care.

·       A working group had recently taken place with local groups regarding environment and conservation.

·       The Garrison offered NATO support to Ukraine by training over 30,000 Ukrainian frontline soldiers who had spent 8 weeks at Knook Camp before moving to the frontline.

·       Events which had taken place at the Garrison Community Centre were outlined.

·       Following the success of the event held in 2022, the Garrison was set to host a Health and Wellbeing Fair on 31 July 2024, which would be free to attend.

 

After the verbal update, there was time for the following questions and points to be made:

·       It was clarified that the Garrison had its own medical centre, however the families had a choice whether they use this or not. Additionally, the new battalion would be bringing their own doctor to supplement the medical centre.

·       Regarding veterans, it was noted that Project Obelisk was set to take place involving the creation of an obelisks to represent soldiers. The obelisk would be carved by veterans and would be detailed with the Kings Cipher, with the hope of a royal visit to mark the obelisk as complete.

·       It was agreed that the Garrison would provide a quarterly update of local activity to the Area Board.

To receive a presentation from Scottish & Southern Electricity about registration for their priority service.

The Area Board received a presentation from Melanie Grace on Scottish & Southern Electricity’s Priority Service. The presentation covered the following matters:

·       It was outlined that the Priority Service Register was available for everyone regardless of who they pay their bills to and was for people who might need extra support during power cuts with the register assisting SSE to know who might need support.

·       The area covered by SSE in the southwest was outlined.

·       The eligibility criteria for the register were outlined and included within the agenda pack.

·       The service aimed to provide emergency power supplies, be proactive in contacting those registered, provide tailored safety advice to individual needs and offer a password protected service.

·       Information was provided relating to Home Emergency plans, with it noted that they hold key details, checklists, and contact information in one safe place.

 

After the presentation there was time for the following questions and points to be made:

·       It was clarified that Warminster was within the “Ridgeway” region, with the nearest SSE depot being Melksham.

·       Should an incident take place on the boarder of another region, different colleagues and depots would work together.

·       The best way to get onto the register would be to complete a freepost leaflet, or by using the careline: 0800 622 838 or website: Priority Services Register - SSE Energy Services

·       It was noted that many local villages did not have strong phone signal or WIFI connectivity, to which it was stated that the service was aware of this.

·       It was stated that local Community Emergency Teams established within parishes and villages should be aware of who is on the register.

·       Praise was provided for the service from a member who had been provided with updates from the service during a power cut last year.

To agree upon the Local Priorities for the Warminster Area Board for 2023/2024 as well as lead Councillor representatives.

A discussion took place regarding the Area Board Local Priorities.

 

After which, it was:

 

Decision:

 

Agreed that the following Local Priorities be adopted by Warminster Area Board for the year 2023/2024:

 

1. Improving outcomes and positive activities for Young people

2. Health and Wellbeing

3. Environment, Biodiversity, and sustainability

4. Community Safety

5. Transport and Access

 

Agreed that the following Councillors would take the lead on the following Local Priority areas:

 

1. Improving outcomes and positive activities for Young people – Cllr Andrew Davis

2. Health and Wellbeing – No councillor was appointed with the Area Board set to discuss this at a later date.

3. Environment, Biodiversity, and sustainability – Cllr Tony Jackson

4. Community Safety – Cllr Pip Ridout

5. Transport and Access – Cllr Bill Parks

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

 

Remaining Budgets:

 

Community Area Grant	Older & Vulnerable	Young People
£11,355.65	£7,700.00	£17,177.00

 

Community Area Grants:

 

Ref/Link	Grant Details	Amount Requested
ABG1345	GrovelandsCountryside and WildlifeVolunteers - GrovelandsCountryside and Wildlife SiteMowing Project.	£2500.00
ABG1348	WarminsterAction Group - Warminster CommunityShed.	£4997.78

 

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

 

Ref/Link	Grant Details	Amount Requested
ABG1268	WiltshireMusic Centre - CelebratingAge Wiltshire.	£1500.00
ABG1329	Warminster Area Healthand Wellbeing Forum - Digital inclusion in the Warminster Area.	£500.00
ABG1343	LongbridgeDeverill Parish Council – Defibrillator.	£1000.00

 

Young People Grants:

 

Ref/Link	Grant Details	Amount Requested
ABG1313	Warminsteryouth club - Warminsteryouth club core costs.	£4093.50
ABG1339	2238 Warminster SquadronAir Cadets - WarminsterAir Cadets MTA Kits.	£850.00

 

The Area Board considered the following applications for funding:

 

Community Area Grants:

 

Grovelands Countryside and Wildlife Volunteers - £2,500 towards Grovelands Countryside and Wildlife Site Mowing Project.

 

Cllr Pip Ridout vacated the room during the discussion regarding the application as well the vote.

 

Decision:

 

Grovelands Countryside and Wildlife Volunteers was awarded £2,500 towards Grovelands Countryside and Wildlife Site Mowing Project.

 

Moved – Cllr Bill Parks

Seconded – Cllr Andrew Davis

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24.

 

Warminster Action Group – £ 4,997.78 towards Warminster Community Shed.

 

Decision:

 

Warminster Action Group was awarded £4,997.78 towards Warminster Community Shed. This was split between the Community Area Grants Budget (£2,500) and the Older & Vulnerable Grants Budget (£2,497.78) subject to approval by the Strategic Engagement Partnerships Officer.

 

Moved – Cllr Pip Ridout

Seconded – Cllr Andrew Davis

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24.

 

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

 

Wiltshire Music Centre – £1,500 towards Celebrating Age Wiltshire.

 

Decision:

 

Wiltshire Music Centre was awarded £1,500 towards Celebrating Age Wiltshire.

 

Moved – Cllr Andrew Davis

Seconded – Cllr Christopher Newbury

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24.

 

Warminster Area Health and Wellbeing Forum - £500 towards Digital inclusion in the Warminster Area.

 

Cllr Tony Jackson remained in the room during the discussion and abstained from the vote.

 

Decision:

 

Warminster Area Health and Wellbeing Forum was awarded £500 towards Digital inclusion in the Warminster Area.

 

Moved – Cllr Pip Ridout

Seconded – Cllr Andrew Davis

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24.

 

Longbridge Deverill Parish Council – £1,000 towards Defibrillator.

 

Decision:

 

Longbridge Deverill Parish Council was awarded £1,000 towards Defibrillator.

 

Moved – Cllr Christopher Newbury

Seconded – Cllr Bill Parks

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24.

 

Youth Grants:

 

Warminster youth club – £4,093.50 towards Warminster youth club core costs.

 

Decision:

 

Warminster Youth Club was awarded £4,093.50 towards Warminster youth club core costs.

 

Moved – Cllr Andrew Davis

Seconded – Cllr Pip Ridout

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24.

 

2238 Warminster Squadron Air Cadets - £850 towards Warminster Air Cadets MTA Kits.

 

Decision:

 

2238 Warminster Squadron Air Cadets was awarded £850 towards Warminster Air Cadets MTA Kits.

 

Moved – Cllr Andrew Davis

Seconded – Cllr Bill Parks

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24.

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 17 July 2023, as set out in the attached report.

 

Further information on the LHFIG process can be found here.

Cllr Bill Parks introduced the minutes and recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 17 July 2023.

 

After which, it was;

 

Resolved:

 

The minutes of the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group meeting held on 17 July 2023 were agreed as a correct record and the spending recommendations within were approved.

Future Meeting Dates (7-9pm):

 

·       23 January 2024

·       21 March 2024

·       30 May 2024

·       12 September 2024

·       14 November 2024

·       13 March 2025

 

For information on applying for a grant or grant application deadlines for these meetings, contact the Area Board Delivery Officer, Caroline.Lequesne@wiltshire.gov.uk

 

The date of the next meeting is 23 January 2023, which would be a Highways themed meeting.