Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Inspector James Brain (Wiltshire Police), who had arranged for Sergeant Kevin Harmsworth to attend the meeting in his absence. Additionally, apologies were received from Tony Moore (Malmesbury Community Area Trust).

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2021 were presented for consideration.

Resolved

To approve the minutes as a correct record.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive the following announcements through the Chair:

·       Changes to Wiltshire’s Taxi Tariffs

·       Update on Leisure Centres Transferring to Wiltshire Council

·       Youth Council Update

·       Malmesbury Community Area Safety Forum

·       Community Governance Review

The chairman gave the following updates:

·       Changes to Wiltshire’s Taxi Tariffs

The Chairman drew attention to a briefing note attached to the agenda which provided an update regarding the proposed changes to the Taxi Tariff Schedule for Hackney Carriages in Wiltshire. The note included information that was shared with the Licensing Committee at its meeting on 13 September 2021. Approval had already been provided for the proposals to be implemented, which will take place on 4 January 2022 subject to the proposals being advertised and undergoing standard consultation processes.

·       Update on Leisure Centres Transferring to Wiltshire Council

The Chairman drew attention to the leisure insourcing project, which would see 10 leisure centres currently managed by Places Leisure move over to Wiltshire Council. This transfer would include The Activity Zone, Malmesbury and further information, and a frequently asked questions section can be found on a webpage via the included link in the report.

·       Wiltshire Youth Council Update

Councillor Gavin Grant referred to the report attached to the agenda whichprovided an update on the Wiltshire Youth Council. The Wiltshire Youth Council will start next year, with representatives from secondary schools across the county elected to speak out on issues that are important to them. Malmesbury Secondary School has been invited to encourage 11–17-year-olds to put themselves up for election, with elections due to take place between 31 January 2022 and 4 February 2022. Any candidates would have to commit one evening per month to attend Youth Council meetings, which would be focused on issues concerning young people. Further information on the Wiltshire Youth Council, can be found in the agenda pack.

·       Malmesbury Community Area Safety Forum

Councillor Gavin Grant updated that the Malmesbury Community Area Safety Forum is now up and running, with the work of Alexa and Sergeant Kate Smith. The Forum will meet on a regular basis to consider important community issues such as anti-social behaviour and rural crime. People interested in the Forum were encouraged to get in touch with Alexa Davies (Community Engagement Manager), via email:alexa.davies@wiltshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01249 706610.

The Chairman also noted that the Alliance of Parish and Town Councils conducted a successful meeting earlier in the day and that there was a positive understanding of the initiative regarding community speedwatch. It is hoped that the Alliance will allow Parishes and the Town Council to work together as a true community and to share information.

·       Community Governance Review

The Chairman drew attention to the briefing note attached to the agenda which related to a survey being undertaken for a community governance review involving the following parishes: Malmesbury and St Paul Malmesbury Without. Councillor Gavin Grant encouraged Parishes and their residents to take part in the survey as the review will be focused on evidence. The surveys, along with other information, would enable the Electoral Review Committee to consider if any changes should be made to parish governance arrangements in these areas.

To receive updates from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

·       Malmesbury and the Villages Community Area Partnership (MVCAP)

·       Riverside Centre

·       Health & Wellbeing Champion

·       Wiltshire Carers Support

·       Green Square Accord

·       Town and Parish Councils

Some written updates have been received and are included in this agenda.

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received a verbal update from Acting Inspector Kevin Harmsworth. An overview was provided of the performance over the last 12 months to September 2021, which included the following points:

• Sergeant Harmsworth drew attention to the comparative data tables, included in the agenda pack, which illustrated how Malmesbury compared with the rest of the Police force.
• It was noted that there has been a 6% reduction in overall crimes reported and recorded, which was in line with the rest of the force.
• Stop and Search data was provided, with objects only being found in 26.9% of cases, of these cases 82.7% resulting in nor further action.

An overview of the local priorities for Malmesbury was provided, which included the following areas:

• Criminal Damage – The Police have continued to actively patrol crime hot spots in order to prevent incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. A repeat young offender has been identified and work is now being conducted with the Youth Offending Team to best identify how to support this young person in changing their behaviour.
• Road Safety – The Community Policing Team have conducted speed checks in various Malmesbury and surrounding areas to improve road safety and target repeat offenders. This remains a priority over the festive period as well as supporting the Roads Policing Team’s annual drink drive campaign. Additionally, the Police and Crime Commissioner has agreed funding for a further 2 civilian enforcement officers.
• Night Time Economy – Work has been completed in partnership with the Licensing Team to visit licensed premises, with an operation planned in anticipation of Christmas events. The outcomes and learning from the Sarah Everard murder in London have been factored in to focus on women’s safety.

Additionally, Sergeant Harmsworth drew attention to the following schemes which have been launched:

• Dog DNA – A scheme has been launched in the aim of dog crime prevention, with owners encouraged to provide a dog saliva sample into a national database. This will therefore allow stolen dogs to be recovered sooner, with DNA more reliable than microchips.
• Wiltshire Horsewatch – A new scheme has been launched, with volunteer horse riders being trained to recognise rural, wildlife and heritage crime. The Police are looking to recruit more volunteers; details can be sent to Generalwatch@wiltshire.police.uk or the following form can be completed: https://forms.office.com/r/fXQWAZTqvS.

Following the verbal update there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

·       Russell Holland, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, updated that Op Sceptre has now concluded with a total of 453 knives handed in across the county. Additionally, more cameras have been ordered for speedwatch. Furthermore, the Police and Crime Plan Consultation and Precept Questions Survey has now concluded with huge response numbers being collected to inform the future Police and Crime Plan.

·       It was stated by the Area Board that it would be positive for the Police to make use of the local community  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive a presentation from Nick Gallop, Chair of Wiltshire Credit Union.

The Area Board received a presentation from Nick Gallop, Chair of Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union. The presentation covered the following:

• The Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union is a not-for-profit bank that exists to improve the financial resilience of many people who are not well served by traditional banks. It is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). With only 50-60% of adults qualifying for loans from conventional banks, credit unions serve the other 40-50% of people with fair and reasonable alternatives.
• Statistics were provided highlighting the need for Credit Unions, showing that many people with average or poor credit ratings turn to high-interest lenders for financial assistance, leading to further debt.
• The negative impact of loan sharks was highlighted, with potential support available online through the following website: www.stoploansharks.co.uk.
• The purpose of the Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union is to improve the financial well-being of people who live or work within the county, by offering straight-forward savings, fair value loans, financial advice and support.
• Some of the helpful products offered by the Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union were presented, including the “Start Saving Bonus Account”, “Family Loan” and “Money Course with Budget Bonus”
• The WASCU uses the regulated Credit Union business model, with funds coming from members’ savings and interest on loans. The flow of savings allows the building of the capacity to lend and to help members.
• The WASCU is currently in a transformative period, showing growth of 600 members a year, its average joining age decreasing to 34 as well as lending passing the £1million milestone.
• Ways of working together with the WASCU were suggested as spreading knowledge of the WASCU by word of mouth, telling people about stopping the use of loan sharks as well as discussing the reduction of financial stress with employers.
• It was suggested that to help the WASCU beat growth barriers, that people take up their offer to deposit reserves into their corporate account in order to serve a social purpose.
• Further information can be found on the Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union website: https://www.wascu.co.uk/

Following the presentation there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

• It was suggested that it would be useful for the Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union to get in touch with GreenSquareAccord, in order to add another service to their database.
• It was clarified that like an ordinary bank, any money deposited into the corporate account is available to be accessed again.
• It was acknowledged that the Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union might be worth suggesting to the Wiltshire Pension Fund as well as to Cabinet Member Councillor Pauline Church. It would be positive to understand the terms and conditions involved as well as receiving any application forms for consideration.

To consider the notes and actions log of the previous meeting of the Community Area Transport Group on 16 November 2021.

Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall introduced the minutes and recommendations from the CATG meeting held on 16 November 2021. Councillor Threlfall noted that currently the Area Board is not in a position to agree on multiple proposals listed in the CATG notes as there is no definite indication of their costs.

Resolved

The minutes of the Community Area Transport Group meeting held on 16 November 2021 were agreed as a correct record and the Area Board accepted the recommendation regarding Easton Grey Crossroads, Easton Grey Plain.

To consider the following applications for funding:

Community Area Grants:

1. Little Somerford Parish Hall - £1,495 towards Renewal of wall on disability ramp.

2. Malmesbury Town Council - £5,000 towards CCTV in Malmesbury.

3. Sherston Community Village Hall - £10,000 towards Sherston Village Hall new foyer including double glazed doors and windows.

4. HEALS of Malmesbury - £2,000 towards Malmesbury and District community fridge.

5. Sustainable Sherston - £613.61 towards Sustainable Sherston community thermal heat loss surveys.

Health and Wellbeing Grants:

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

Youth Grants:

2. The Stay Safe Initiative CIC - £725 towards the Digital Empowerment Programme Malmesbury.

3.     Malmesbury Abbey - £900 towards Malmesbury Abbey Skate 2022.

The Area Board considered the following as detailed in the reports attached to the agenda.

Community Area Grants

1)    Little Somerford Parish Hall - £1,495 towards Renewal of wall

          on disability ramp.

Resolved

Little Somerford Parish Hall was awarded £1,495 towards Renewal of wall on disability ramp.

2)    Malmesbury Town Council - £5,000 towards CCTV in

          Malmesbury.

Councillor Gavin Grant did not vote on this application due to his role as a member of Malmesbury Town Council.

Resolved

Malmesbury Town Council was awarded £5,000 towards CCTV in Malmesbury.

3)    Sherston Community Village Hall - £10,000 towards Sherston

          Village Hall new foyer including double glazed doors and

          windows.

Resolved

Sherston Community Village Hall was awarded £2,500 towards Sherston Village Hall new foyer including double glazed doors and windows.

4)    HEALS of Malmesbury - £2,000 towards Malmesbury and District community fridge.

Councillor Gavin Grant did not vote on this application due to his role as Chair of Trustees for HEALS of Malmesbury.

Resolved

HEALS of Malmesbury was awarded £2,000 towards Malmesbury and District community fridge

5)    Sustainable Sherston - £613.61 towards Sustainable Sherston community thermal heat loss surveys.

Councillor Martin Smith did not vote on this application due to being part of Sustainable Sherston.

Resolved

Sustainable Sherston was awarded £613.61 towards Sustainable Sherston community thermal heat loss surveys.

Health and Wellbeing Grants:

1)     Wiltshire Music Centre - £1,500 towards Celebrating Age Wiltshire.

Resolved

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

Youth Grants:

1)    The Stay Safe Initiative CIC - £725 towards the Digital Empowerment Programme Malmesbury.

Resolved

The Stay Safe Initiative CIC was awarded £725 towards the Digital Empowerment Programme Malmesbury.

2)    Malmesbury Abbey - £900 towards Malmesbury Abbey Skate 2022.

Resolved

Malmesbury Abbey was awarded £900 towards Malmesbury Abbey Skate 2022.

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

There were no urgent items.

The next meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board will be held on 22 February 2022.

The date of the next meeting is 22 February 2022 at 7.00pm.