Agenda and draft minutes

Please note that this was not a formally constituted meeting as it was not quorate. No formal decisions were made.

Wiltshire’s councillors to introduce themselves.

The Democratic Services Officer, Matt Hitch, informed the Area Board that it would not be possible to open a formally constituted meeting as it would be inquorate. The Area Board would therefore not be able to take any formal decisions at the meeting.

The Wiltshire Councillors present introduced themselves.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from:

·       Cllr Ian Thorn

·       Cllr Ashley O’Neill

·       Perry Payne – Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership

·       Helen O’Gara – Calne Wordfest

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2023.

The Area Board had the opportunity to discuss the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 5 December 2023.

Glenis Ansell, Chair of Patford House Partnership Patient Participation Group, reported that, since the previous meeting, Patford House had rejoined Calne and Yatton Keynell Primary Care Network. She explained that the surgeries were working on a toolkit for patients. She also noted that Wiltshire Council owned the building at Patford House and it was in need of additional investment.

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

The Chairman declared an Other Registrable Interest in relation to the Youth Tale Trail Storytelling application by virtue of being a Trustee of Calne Wordfest. He explained that he had received a dispensation from the Monitoring Officer to remain in the room during the meeting and contribute during debate from the Chair.

The dispensation would also have permitted him to vote on the application, were the Area Board to be able to take decisions at the meeting. However, the Chairman noted that he would not have intended to vote unless there was a need for him to use his casting vote.

The Chairman also declared that he was a member of Calne Town Council. Members of Wiltshire Council have a standing dispensation to participate in, and vote on, applications from town and parish councils, of which they are members, unless there are other overriding reasons for them not to do so.

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

·       Thanks to Louisa Young – Area Board Delivery Officer

·       Local Nature Recovery Strategy Public Engagement – watch this link or find more information online

·       Advice on support for flood victims

·       Calne and Melksham Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) consultation – open until 5 February

·       ICB Statement on the new Primary Care Network

The Chairman drew attention to the following information:

·       He thanked Area Board Delivery Officer Louisa Young for her help in supporting the Area Board and wished her well in her new role as a Community Conversations Officer in Chippenham.

·       Thanks were also given to Alison Ingram for all of her work in the community. Alison chaired the local Health and Social Care Forum and supported a number of events held in partnership with the Area Board, such as the Big Get Together and Calne Dementia Day. Alison would be retiring as Practice Manger at Northlands Surgery in March.

·       Advice was available online to support victims of flooding, including the recent Storm Henk.

·       A statement from the BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board about Patford House Partnership joining the Primary Care Network was on page 17 of the agenda pack.

Glenis Ansell, Chair of Patford House Partnership Patient Participation Group, said that patient groups were developing a strategy and looked forward to positive news.

Diane Gooch, the Area Board’s Older Person’s Champion, requested further information about the engagement work being carried out by the Integrated Care Board in the local community.

Alan Hill from Calne Town Council highlighted the importance of delivering a new medical facility for the town and stated that he would welcome additional support from Wiltshire Council in achieving that goal.

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Police Crime Figures Calne Town and Calne Rural

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

Ø  FACT – Family Help Programme

The Area Board noted the information items set out in the agenda pack, they were:

·       The Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal was open.

·       Crime figures for Calne Town and Calne Rural were available to view online.

·       Families and Children’s Transformation Programme, pg. 19-22

To receive an update from Chief Constable Catherine Roper.

Inspector Pete Foster gave an update on behalf of the local neighbourhood police team. Key points included:

·       He was pleased to report that the Neighbourhood Team now had more officers and introduced their newest recruit PC Lizzie Wright.

·       The importance of neighbourhood policing was emphasised.

·       It was noted that the operating model of Wiltshire Police’s response teams had been reformed going from a five team to four team model. Having fewer, but larger, teams would ensure better availability of officers.

·       Wiltshire Police had published a number of community commitments.

·       Recent initiatives to improve community engagement included hosting a series of Facebook Live events where officers would answer pre-submitted questions. Neighbourhood police teams would also participate in online parish forums in addition to their existing engagements.

·       Wiltshire was a very safe county and had the lowest crime per thousand people in the country.

·       Community conversations had taken place at Calne Hub and Library and Marden Vale CE Academy.

·       Out of Court Disposals had become a significant area of focus, as evidence was showing that it was effective at reducing reoffending rates. Under this approach, rather than offenders being sent to court, they would be invited to make reparations to their victims, such as writing letters of apology.

·       Prevention was very important component of the strategy to reduce crime including in areas such as speed awareness.

·       The Community Road Safety Team had greatly increased the number of enforcement notices issued, with over 2,000 sent out in the previous quarter.

·       There had been issues in the local area with e-scooters. It was illegal to ride e-scooters on pavements and they needed to be taxed.

During the discussion, points included:

·       Chief Constable Catherine Roper reassured the Area Board that Calne Police Station would not be closing. She reported that under the new operating model there were additional resources for neighbourhood teams, so that local inspectors could bid for additional support if there were particular areas of concern.

·       Additional mobile police engagement vehicles had been sent out in the county and had visited Calne.

·       Police Community Support Officer Mark Cook was doing a great job.

·       In response to questions about why the Area Board’s area did not often appear on priority speeding lists, Inspector Foster noted that lists often included areas of civilian patrols and his team had been conducting additional patrols.

·       It was noted that through Project Zero, traffic officers would conduct additional patrols in different areas of the county at specific times. 

·       Referencing the lower than predicted crime levels in December 2023, Cllr Tom Rounds questioned whether cost of living pressures had had an impact. Inspector Foster explained that there was a complex relationship between crime and economic circumstances, as crime could go up in times of poverty. However, he noted that less disposable income spent on alcohol did have an impact on reducing the number of violent offences.

·       When asked about the steep fall in the number of burglaries, Inspector Foster noted that they had a low level of burglaries in Calne,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

a.    Wiltshire Police

b.    Town and Parish Councils

c.     Older People’s Champion

d.    Health and Social Care Forum

Written Updates

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

e.    Wiltshire Police

f.      Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue – online video

g.    Calne Community Safety Forum

h.    Community First

i.      Healthwatch Wiltshire

j.      BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Together – Integrated Care Board

k.     Calne Town Council

Written updates were available in the agenda pack from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police, pg. 23-29

·       Wiltshire Police Road Safety, attached to these notes.

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue – online video

·       Calne Community Safety Forum, pg. 31-32

·       Community First, pg. 33-52

·       BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Together – Integrated Care Board, pg.53-55

·       Calne Community Safety Forum, pg. 57-59

·       Calne Town Council, pg. 60

The following partners also provided verbal updates:

Bremhill Parish Council

The Chairman of Bremhill Parish Council, Isabel McCord, gave an overview of the news from the parish. Details included:

·       A new 30mph speed limit had been approved in Foxham and new signage was due to be installed by March.

·       Horse rider signs were due to be installed in Tytherton Lucas.

·       Locations for Speed Indicator Devices had been identified in Foxham, East Tytherton and Tytherton Lucas.

·       Thanks were given to the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group for supporting these initiatives.

·       A project to build a village hall in East Tytherton had been successful in a bid for £80,000 of funding from the National Lottery. Around £100,000 of further funding was required.

·       The Neighbourhood Plan was being reviewed and was currently being considered by Wiltshire Council, who would provide further advice.

·       The Bremhill Parish History Group’s award-winning book was now out in paperback. Requests to buy copies could be made to hello@bremhillparishhistory.com.

·       The Neighbourhood County Parish Forum initiative was welcomed and it was confirmed that Bremhill Parish Council would be attending the first event on 17 April.

·       It was requested that briefing updates from Wiltshire Council were sent by the sixth of each month in time for the parish newsletter. 

In response to concerns about the withdrawal of funding to Visit Wiltshire by Wiltshire Council, it was confirmed that an update had been sent to parish clerks. Cllr Tom Rounds explained that efforts to promote tourism would be run in-house by Wiltshire Council.

Calne Community Neighbourhood Plan

Alan Hill from Calne Town Council noted that a Reg 14 Notice was now out for consultation. He encouraged individuals in the local area to complete the survey online. In addition to the online consultation there would be a series of in-person events held including at Calne Library, Calne Town Hall and the Lansdowne Hall. Further details were available in Agenda Supplement 1.

Calne Without Parish Council

John Barnes reported that 137 free trees had been given out to residents to plant around the parish and that funding had been approved for seven defibrillators. He was pleased to note that the footpath near the Millenium Bridge had been restored with the steps being replaced on each side of the embankment. Attention was also drawn to an application by the British Horse Society to reinstate a restricted byway, which was made in error. Assistance was requested from the Area Board to try to ensure that the application was withdrawn to avoid it going through a very lengthy determination process. The Chairman noted that they would follow up  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To receive updates from Lead Councillors about the Area Board’s priorities.

·       Young People – Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney

·       Older People – Cllr Tom Rounds

·       Environment – Cllr Ian Thorn

·       Transport – Cllr Ashley O’Neill

·       Economy – Ros Griffiths (Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager)

The Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM), Ros Griffiths, reported that Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy were holding a series of pop-up events during the winter to provide advice about energy usage. She also noted that £10,000 of funding had been awarded to food banks through the Household Support Fund.

In addition, she explained that a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment would be launched the following week. The findings for each community area in Wiltshire would be published to help identify need, to enable partners to make better informed decisions on how to allocate resources. The results of the survey would also be used to help construct the Area Board’s Forward Work Programme. 

Glenis Ansell highlighted that the notes from the meeting of Calne Community Safety Forum held on 13 December 2024 were available on pages 31 and 32 of the agenda pack. She noted that the group had also been holding conversations about reinstating the Safe Places Scheme. She thanked the SEPM for providing contacts for those running the scheme in Salisbury and noted that there were 21 premises locally that had expressed an interest in supporting the scheme. 

To receive a verbal update from the S106 Working Group meeting held on 1 February 2024.  

The Chairman reported that the meeting scheduled for 1 February 2024 had been rescheduled and would be held at a future date. He explained that he would chair the group on an interim basis following the passing of the S106 Group’s late Chairman Cllr Tony Trotman. 

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 Grants:

Young People Grants:

Delegated Funding

The Board is asked to note any funding awards made under the Delegated Funding Process, by the Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager, between meetings due to matters of urgency:

ABG1537 - Sustainable Calne were awarded £539 towards a tree planting project in the Stokes Croft children’s play area.

Further information on the Area Board Grant system can be found here.

As the Area Board were not able to hold a formally constituted meeting, it was agreed to move consideration of the grant applications to the start of the agenda. The Area Board noted the budgets remaining for allocation and heard from representatives in attendance, who gave a brief overview of their projects and were questioned by the Board. The members of the Area Board present were invited to indicate whether they were supportive of the listed projects.

In response to questions about whether an extraordinary meeting would need to be held to approve the applications, the Democratic Services Officer provided reassurance that efforts would be made to try to progress the grant applications. Options could include asking the Leader of Wiltshire Council whether he would be able to approve funding via delegated authority.

Community Area Grants

Consideration was given to the following applications made to the Community Area Grants Scheme.

Calne Men’s Shed requesting £500 towards the purchase of an oscillating cutting tool, drill and impact driver kit.

The Acting Chair of Calne Men’s Shed explained that they were in need of additional equipment having moved to a new premises the previous year. She noted that they did have an existing drill and impact driver kit but there were often queues to use the equipment.

Alan Hill from Calne Town Council noted that they supported the application.

The Wiltshire Councillors present noted that they were supportive of the application and noted that the Men’s Shed did great things for the community.

Calne Tennis Club requesting £2,885 towards court refurbishment.

Club Directors Derek Warnett and Claire Bielby explained that their courts had been built in 2014 and were very well used, so were now showing wear and tear. They noted that they wanted to restore the non-slip playing surface. The total cost of repairs would be in excess of £12,000. The club supported people of a wide range of ages, including over 70s and under 10s.

The Wiltshire Councillors present noted that they were supportive of the application.

Young People’s Grants

Consideration was given to the following applications made to the Young People’s Grant Scheme.

Calne Wordfest requesting £565 towards Youth Tale Trail Storytelling

In the absence of the applicant, Strategic Engagement and Partnership Manager, Ros Griffiths, explained that the group aimed to run four sessions with a storyteller practitioner. They also wished to carry out street-based work with pupils at Kingsbury Green Academy.

Cllr Tom Rounds indicated that he was supportive of the project. The Chairman did not comment, having declared an interest.

The Open Blue Trust requesting £2,100 towards the Open Blue Bus in Calne

David Sanburg explained that they planned to bring the bus to Calne Town Centre for an hour on Friday nights to offer a range of activities for young people.

Alan Hill stated that Calne Town Council was in favour of the project. 

The Wiltshire Councillors present also indicated that they were supportive of the application.

Delegated Funding

The Area Board noted the following funding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the latest LHFIG meeting held on 19 January 2024, as set out in the attached report.

Recommendations:

1)    To allocate funding to Issues already on the Priority Schemes List:

·       3-23-3 Foxham Speed Limit £9,800

·       3-23-8 Sandy Lane Gates & Signs £3,150

·       3-23-12 Studley Village Speed Limit Review £2,030

2)    To add the following Issues to the Priority Schemes List with funding:

·       3-23-14 Hilmarton & Goatacre SID Posts £1,050

·       3-23-16 Tytherton Lucas Warning Signs £500

·       3-23-22 Stockley & Broads Green Speed Limit review £2,030

3)    To close the following Issues:

·       Active Travel Calne Silver St

·       3-23-4 Bremhill Parish Village Gates

·       3-23-17 Calne London Road Crossing

·       3-23-20 East Tytherington Maud Heath Causeway

Further information on the LHFIG process can be found here.

The Area Board had the opportunity to note the recommendations of the LHFIG meeting held on 19 January 2024, as follows:

1)    To allocate funding to Issues already on the Priority Schemes List:

• 3-23-3 Foxham Speed Limit £9,800

• 3-23-8 Sandy Lane Gates & Signs £3,150

• 3-23-12 Studley Village Speed Limit Review £2,030

2)    To add the following Issues to the Priority Schemes List with funding:

• 3-23-14 Hilmarton & Goatacre SID Posts £1,050

• 3-23-16 Tytherton Lucas Warning Signs £500

• 3-23-22 Stockley & Broads Green Speed Limit review £2,030

3)    To close the following Issues:

• Active Travel Calne Silver St

• 3-23-4 Bremhill Parish Village Gates

• 3-23-17 Calne London Road Crossing

• 3-23-20 East Tytherington Maud Heath Causeway

As the meeting was not properly constituted, the Area Board were unable to approve the recommendations.

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

There were no urgent items.

Future Meeting Dates (6:30-8:30pm):

·       28 May 2024

·       10 September 2024

·       12 November 2024

·       18 February 2025

For information on applying for a grant or grant application deadlines for these meetings, contact the Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager ros.griffiths@wiltshire.gov.uk.

The date of the next Area Board was confirmed as 28 May 2024, 6:30pm at Calne Hub and Library. 

Further meeting dates were:

·       10 September 2024

·       12 November 2024

·       18 February 2025