The Area Board received updates from the
following Lead Councillors in respect of each of the local Area
Board priorities:
Councillor Jo Trigg –
Youth Engagement, Employment, and Positive Activity
- It was confirmed that Trowbridge
Future were undertaking various Junior and Senior
“Life-Skills Sessions” in areas such as budgeting and
healthy relationships.
- The Youth Forum had been established
which comprised of Members of School Councils from the three main
Secondary Schools and who had met twice. During the meetings,
Members had discussed the reopening of the Town Hall, the new
Trowbridge Leisure Centre Project, and working with Trowbridge Town
Council to understand how young people’s voices can be
heard.
- Collective discussions were being
undertaken regarding detached work provision and understanding how
several groups can work together to make an impact in their
communities.
Councillor Mel Jacob –
Addressing Climate Change and Protecting Green Spaces
- It was confirmed that there had been
lots of tree planting in the local area, including 3 community
orchards, as a result of additional
grant funding as well as looking at the different policies for
leaving areas of long grass, meadows, and pollinator areas.
Furthermore, a few Tree Wardens had been appointed and there would
be a focus on how to further support them in the future.
- Members were working towards a more
cohesive approach to tree planting between different services
within Wiltshire Council and emphasised the importance of education
within the community to ensure residents understood the benefits of
additional tree planting.
- Further updates were given including
community activities such as litter picking, bulb planting, and
supporting people with cost-of-living concerns and waste
reduction.
- Future points of focus were noted as
reviewing the EV Charging Consultation responses, monitoring air
quality, active travel and the safety and ease of using cycle
routes, and efficient home heating.
Councillor Antonio Piazza
– Supporting Low Income Individuals and
Families
- The Community Area Joint Strategic
Needs Assessment report was raised, and it was noted that
approximately a third of houses in Trowbridge were considered
deprived in accordance with the 4 main measures of deprivation:
education, health, crime, and barriers to housing and
services.
- It was acknowledged that the work
undertaken by the Neighbourhood Collaborative would look to improve
that statistic, but it was noted that the vast
majority of the community were impacted by cost-of-living
issues and Members raised concerns as to the sustainability of
relying on a volunteer-based system during the current economic
climate.
Councillor Stewart Palmen
– Older and Vulnerable People: Supporting Positive
Mental and Physical Health
- The work of the Neighbourhood
Collaborative was raised alongside the positive impacts that
different projects could have on communities.
- Regular meetings were noted as being
key and all Members were encouraged to attend and engage in future
discussions to benefit Trowbridge residents.
Councillor David Vigar –
Community Safety
- It was noted that although crime
figures were rising, this was due to increased reporting and a
minority of prolific offenders.
- It was confirmed that a Retail Crime
Forum was held at the Civic Centre which resulted in challenging
but rewarding conversations, and that Wiltshire Police were working
hard with serial shoplifters to consider future rehabilitation
plans.
- Although there was a meeting
scheduled to discuss concerns regarding the multi-storey car park,
it was noted that some anticipated partners did not attend.
However, it was confirmed that the owner of Castle Place was in the
process of conversations with Wiltshire Council concerning
improvements to the car park.
- Other updates included CCTV
improvements, additional Speed Indicator Devices, and Police and
community enforcement for parking and safety around schools and
other high traffic areas.