Agenda and minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 4 July 2011.

Councillors are requested to declare any personal or prejudicial interests, or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

To include the following:

      i.        Help to Live at Home (attached)

2. New Waste & Recycling Collection Service (attached)
3. Winter Highways Maintenance.

The Chairman will provide an update on action taken in response to the petition presented to the Area Board at its meeting on 4 July 2011.

Parvis Khansari, Service Director for Strategic Services, will provide information on the comparative car parking revenue statistics as requested by the Area Board at its meeting on 4 July 2011. Discussions will include:

·         Information on season tickets (particularly for workers/volunteers)

·         The independent traders refund scheme

·         Town Centre viability

·         Contributions from the Chamber of Commerce

·         Question and answer session with Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

The Chairman provided an overview of the petition that was presented to the Area Board on 4 July 2011. The petition raised concern at the increase in car parking charges in the town centre, and the detrimental impact this was having on the local economy.

The Chairman explained that the petition had been presented to the meeting of Wiltshire Council on 20 July 2011, and in response the Council had resolved that a report be presented to its next meeting on 8 November 2011 on a county wide review of car parking. Ahead of this, a report was due to be considered by Cabinet at its next meeting on 18 October 2011.

In response to the petition, the Area Board had also requested that comparative statistics be provided on car parking revenue and the number of car parking tickets sold throughout May, June and July in 2010 and 2011. Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, and Parvis Khansari, Service Director for Strategic Services, were both present at the meeting to present that information.

Background

Councillor Tonge explained the rationale for the review of car parking charges across the County. Prior to the formation of the Unitary Authority, there was inconsistency across the County in the levels of car parking charges being implemented. In response to this, Wiltshire Council carried out a full review and consultation on all matters relating to car parking and subsequently produced a new policy in the form of the Local Transport Plan Car Parking Strategy.

The new Strategy included the ‘banding’ of towns according to their size and retail offerings. Salisbury was classed as a Band 1, Chippenham and Trowbridge were classed as Band 2, and the other market towns were classed as Band 3 or 4 depending on their size.

The Local Transport Plan Car Parking Strategy was agreed by Council in February 2011 and it was agreed that it would be reviewed after one year. This had now been brought forward and a review was currently being prepared as outlined by the Chairman. The review would cover the economic situation, the footfall and evidence of car park usage and revenue.

Comparative Statistical Data

As requested by the Area Board at its last meeting, Parvis Khansari presented comparative statistical data in relation to car parking revenue and the number of car parking tickets sold in relation to Chippenham town centre car parks.

The data presented showed a decline in the amount of car parking tickets sold since the increase in charges, and a rise in the level of income generated by Wiltshire Council.

Season Tickets

Councillor Tonge provided information on the available options for season tickets for car parks in Chippenham. There were a range of options including premium, standard and contract tickets, and business could also purchase non-vehicle specific tickets that could be shared by employees. Up to 65% discount was available on season tickets, and the prices had not increased so it was not currently clear why the usage of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To note the written reports and receive updates from any partners who wish to contribute:

      i.        Wiltshire Police

    ii.        Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

   iii.        NHS Wiltshire

   iv.        Parish and Town Councils

    v.        Chippenham and Villages Area Partnership (ChAP)

   vi.        Chippenham Vision Board

  vii.        Community Area Young People’s Issues Group (CAYPIG)

viii.        Youth Strategy Update

   ix.        Lyneham Steering Group

    x.        Children’s Parliament.

Updates from partners were received as follows:

1. Wiltshire Police

A report from Wiltshire Police was received and noted. Sergeant Allan George reported that there was a new Inspector in charge of Neighbourhood Policing; Inspector Martin Schorah. It was also noted that the Chippenham Police Station would be moving to the Old Schoolhouse next door in stages, but that a core station in Chippenham would remain.

2. Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service

Reports from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service for June and August were received and noted. There were no further updates.

3. NHS Wiltshire

Reports from NHS Wiltshire for August and September were received and noted. There were no further updates.

4. Parish and Town Councils

Reports were received and noted from Christian Malford, Grittleton, Kington Langley, Seagry and Sutton Benger Parish Councils. Further updates were received as follows:

·         Sutton Benger Parish Council – a major new development was being planned for the old Faccenda factory site which was raising some concerns, the Parish Council had just employed a new clerk, and the Council was now committed to achieving Quality Parish Council Status.

·         Seagry Parish Council – the Parish Council had been awarded first place in the Best Kept Small Village competition, and came second in the overall competition. The Council was also keen to hear from any other Parish Councils that had experience of producing allotment tenancy agreements.

·         Christian Malford Parish Council – there was ongoing concern regarding the use of the B4069 by HGVs, and the related signage from Wiltshire Council which was yet to be received. The Chairman recommended that the Parish Council emailed the details though and she would take this up on their behalf.

·         Biddestone & Slaughterford Parish Council – the parish had recently held a craft fair and successfully raised funds to put towards the maintenance of the church. The Council was interested to hear how other parishes managed to raise funds for such issues.

5. Chippenham and Villages Area Partnership

This year’s River Festival had been a huge success and thanks were extended to all sponsors, partners and for all of the grant funding that was received to support the event. The Partnership was also planning to develop a Parish Councils Forum and to develop closer links with schools and colleges.

6. Chippenham Vision

A report from Chippenham Vision was received and noted. The Vision website was being regularly updates and contained lots of information. The results of the Langley Park review would be made public following the meeting that was planned for next week between Ashtenne and Spatial Planning Officers.

7. Community Area Young Peoples’ Issues Group (CAYPIG)

A report from the CAYPIG/Youth Development Service was received and noted. A review was currently being undertaken as part of the 13 to 19 Commissioning Strategy.

8. Youth Strategy Update

Various changed were proposed as part of the review of youth services and the full outcome of the review was awaited. It was felt that they were well braced to fit with the proposals, should they proceed.

9. Lyneham Steering Group

There was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive updates on the Area Board’s Priorities, as follows:

      i.        Road Safety – Lead Councillor: Bill Douglas

    ii.        Skate Park – Lead Councillor: Paul Darby

   iii.        Health and Wellbeing – Lead Councillor: Peter Hutton

   iv.        Night Time Economy – Lead Councillor: Peter Hutton

    v.        Employment – Lead Partner: Chippenham Vision.

Updates on the Area Board’s priorities were received as follows:

1. Road Safety

On behalf of Councillor Bill Douglas, the lead councillor on road safety, the Chairman provided an update on recent activity.

20 is plenty

Support for this scheme had been received from the Town Council, the local schools and the Children’s Parliament, and an offer of funding had been received from Gough’s Solicitors. It had been agreed that the scheme would be pursued, with a voluntary reduction of motorist speed to 20mph in areas around all schools. A report would be produced with the proposals for discussion. This would then be considered by the Cabinet member with a view to using the Chippenham area as a trial.

A350 dual carriageway

Following the results of the fatal accident trial, Wiltshire Council had agreed to carry out a safety audit along the A350 to junction 17 of the M4. Signage would also be mounted to prevent dangerous turning from taking place on the dual carriageway.

Village Entryways

Results from those villages that had mounted and highlighted village entryways had been very positive, with resident and passing motorists reducing their speed as they passed through the villages. All Parish Councils were encouraged to consider creating village entryways as a low-cost safety measure.

Community Area Transport Group

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 August 2011 were available from the Wiltshire Council website, or by contacting the Community Area Manager.

2. Skate Park

Councillor Paul Darby reported that the next meeting would be taking place on 14 September 2011, and an update would be provided at the next meeting of the Area Board.

3. Health and Wellbeing

Councillor Peter Hutton reported that the ‘A Senior Moment’ event was being planned to take place at the Neeld Hall in Chippenham on Thursday 1 December. A variety of speakers was being organised and further information would be available in due course.

4. Night Time Economy

Councillor Peter Hutton reported that the Night Time Economy Group had been very busy, particularly with the launch of the Chippenham Alive project. The dates for these events had now been confirmed as 20 October, 18 November and 15 December. The Street Pastors scheme was also being launched with the first event taking place on 17 September. It was also noted that the volunteers of the Night Time Economy Group had been nominated for an annual award, and that the review of the Karma license was due to be heard in court imminently.

5. Employment

Tim Martienssen, Chippenham Vision Director, reported that a large study had been taking place regarding employment land in Chippenham and future demand for employment land. The report was due to be available early in October.

a)    Community Area Grant Scheme 2011/12

                      i.        Westlea Housing Association -£4,112 requested to create a fenced off area for football at Little Battens, Nr Allington Way, conditional upon planning permission being granted and the balance of funding being in place.

                    ii.        Happy Days Nursery - £2,303 requested to replace safety surfacing in the outside play area, conditional upon the balance of funding being in place.

                   iii.        Chippenham Sports Club– £1,000 requested to install toilet facilities for users of the Airdome & Astroturf pitch at Chippenham Sports Club, conditional upon the balance of funding being in place.

                   iv.        Wiltshire Wood Recycling – £922 requested to install dust extraction in the new workshop, conditional upon the balance of funding being in place.

b)    Area Board Projects

                      i.        £740 requested to purchase high visibility jackets and vests for door staff, conditional upon the balance of funding being in place.

                    ii.        £650 requested for the deployment of Taxi Marshalls in Chippenham in December 2011.

Grants application packs for the Community Area Grants Scheme are available from the Community Area Manager or electronically at

www.wiltshire.gov.uk/areaboardscommunity grantsscheme.htm

To determine the membership of the Chippenham Shadow Community Operations Board.

The Chairman will invite any remaining questions from the floor and will welcome the submission of new Community Issues.

The next agenda planning meeting will take place on Wednesday 5 October 2011 at 10am. Any parish or town council representative interested in attending should contact the Community Area manager or the Chairman.

The meeting is asked to note the future meeting dates below and is reminded to complete the evaluation forms in the packs.

The Forward Plan is attached for information.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting and welcomed the submission of new Community Issues.

An evaluation of the evening’s meeting was held using the handheld voting devices.

The next meeting would be held on Monday 14 November 2011, 7.00pm, venue to be confirmed. The agenda planning meeting would take place on Wednesday 5 October 2011 at 10am, and any parish or town council representative wishing to attend should contact the Chairman or the Community Area Manager.