Agenda item

To receive any updates from partner organisations:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       Health - Integrated Care Board Update

·       Health & Wellbeing

·       Pewsey Community Area Partnership

·       Parish Councils

·       Youth

·       Changes to Engagement and Partnerships Team

(a)           Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received a written update from Insp Al Lumley, Wiltshire Police, which included detail about the Community Policing Team, Wiltshire Police performance to June 2022, hate crime overview and local priorities and updates in relation to the Pewsey area. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Philip Wilkinson commented on the recent inspection of Wiltshire Police in January 2022 by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and the overall service provided to the public requiring improvement. The PCC highlighted the Wiltshire Police response and the commitment to demonstrating the progress being made against the recommendations.

The PCC, PCSO Jon Mills and John Derryman – co-ordinator of Wiltshire Speedwatch, responded to questions about a recent stabbing incident in Pewsey; How the PCC identified a number of issues during his tenure that were also identified during the inspection; vehicle speeding and restructuring of the speedwatch team; concern at the level of anti-social behaviour; the provision of PCSO’s dedicated to the Pewsey area, the desire to increase in neighbourhood officers; plans to rotate two mobile police stations across the County, to meet needs; attendance at Parish and Town Council’s meetings; the relationship between Wiltshire police and the British Transport Police and the transfer of intelligence;  

The Chairman thanked the PCC, PCSO and Co-Ordinator of Wiltshire Speedwatch for attending the Area Board meeting and responding to questions.

(b)           Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

There was no update report for this meeting.

(c)           Health

The written report attached to the agenda pack was noted. 

(d)           Health & Wellbeing

Dawn Wilson reported on the following: the Memory Café and Movement to Music continued to run in the Bouverie Hall; supporting Shalbourne and Great Bedwyn Parish Council’s for insurance and banking services; help being offered during the cost of living crisis; warm spaces scheme during the winter months; community fridges and the increasing use of foodbanks.

The Strategic Engagement and Partnership Manager (SEPM) encouraged groups that could offer warm spaces to sign up for the Warm Spaces Scheme, and confirmed that there may be some financial support available to groups that join the scheme from the Health & Wellbeing fund.

(e)           Pewsey Community Area Partnership

Colin Gale provided an update on the DfT Rural Mobility Scheme and the £1.2m secured for service improvements in Pewsey. He confirmed that Paul Sanders, Rural Buses Project Manager, was leading this project following his appointment by Wiltshire Council. Colin also reported on a recent survey of the service with 495 surveys returned.

Colin commented on the disruption and impact on rail users of the recent rail strikes. He reported on Pewsey Station being nominated by GWR for accessibility improvements under a DfT scheme and a conference for GWR stakeholders would be held shortly.

Dawn Wilson reported that PCAP had a meeting this month and welcome a number of new members, although there was a concern at the number of more mature members who were no longer volunteering. New volunteers were encouraged to contact PCAP. PCAP had recently visited Pewsey Vale School, who had received a grant from the Area Board towards a calm and safe place for pupils within the school, and there were plans for this space to remain.    

Susie Brew commented on the delivery of the Itineraries and Walkers are Welcome projects with some revisions in the pipeline.

The Chairman thanked Dawn, Susie and Colin for all their hard work and the work of PCAP.

(f)             Parish Councils

Rushall Parish Council – Colin Gale provided an update which included detail about Rushall winning the Best Kept Small Village again. He was sad to report a recent theft of a safe from the village church and a burglary in the village.

Woodborough Parish Council – John Brewin provided an update on community speedwatch and the recent statistical information being made available, with over 1080 vehicles being reported to Wiltshire Police for speeding offences and the appropriate action being taken.   

(g)           Other

Youth – The Strategic Engagement and Partnership Manager  indicated that an update would be available for the next Area Board meeting.

Engagement and Partnership Team

The Strategic Engagement and Partnership Manager (SEPM), Richard Rogers, provided an update on the new staffing structure of the Engagement and Partnership Team which came into place on 1 September 2022. He also reminded the Area Board about their priorities for the coming year and a couple of items to be discussed at the next meeting of the Area Board including the cost of living and demand bus services.

The Chairman welcomed the Chief Planning Officer, Nic Thomas, and Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling Cabinet Member and explained their role in attending future Area Board meetings to provide the link with the Council.