Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Horace Prickett

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 5 March 2020 and 16 June 2020.

The minutes of the meetings held on 12 March 2020 and 16 June 2020 were presented for consideration, and it was,

Resolved:

To approve and sign the minutes as a true and correct record.

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

There were no declarations.

Councillor Edward Kirk stated that as he had an intermittent internet connection at his location, he would not vote on any item in case he missed any relevant part of discussion.

To include the following:

a)    Covid-19

b)    Connect 5

c)     Cycle lanes

At the beginning of the meeting the Chairman welcomed all Councillors and members of the public to the meeting, which was the first full meeting of the Area Board since March 2020, as a result of Covid-19.

The written announcements were noted. There was discussion of the proposal to government to extend a cycle path from Hilperton to Melksham, and it was noted that the Community Area Transport Group had provided comment on the level of consultation on recent changes made in Trowbridge

It was requested details be provided on whether the bollards in place along the recent Hilperton road cycle path would be permanent.

In relation to the Connect5 update on mental health wellbeing, attention was drawn to the sessions being held by request for community groups and individuals by contacting kerri.lavender@wiltshire.gov.uk.

To note receive any written reports or updates from the

following:

a)    Wiltshire Police

b)    Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

c)     Town and Parish Councils

d)    Local Youth Network

e)    Trowbridge Wellbeing Centre Development Group

f)      Safer and Supportive Communities Group

g)    Health and Wellbeing Group

Updates from partners were received as follows:

       i.          Wiltshire Police

The written update was noted. Inspector Andy Fee added a verbal update to his report, noting work by the community teams working around anti-social behaviour issues in Southwick and speeding along Leap Gate, as well as checking local businesses regarding modern slavery checks.

He also announced that he was to retire on 12 November 2020, and that Gill Hughes would look after the Trowbridge area in an interim role until a permanent post was appointed.

The Board expressed its thanks to Inspector Fee for his efforts in the local community, including his focus on community policing, and together offered the very best wishes for his retirement.

In discussion, details were sought on raw figures for incidents in the area, recruitment of communication staff and enforcement in the town park. It was stated in reply that the public space protection order covering the park and other parts of the town had lapsed, which the police felt limited certain options in terms of confiscating alcohol, but although the park could not be covered at all times, it was regularly patrolled. It was stated that the council had been responsible for processing fines under the order, but tickets that had been issued in the past were not enforceable as they had not been compliant. There were also questions regarding.

     ii.          Town and Parish Councils

On behalf of Trowbridge Town Council, it was noted that there was a consultation on the Doric Park Football Field development proposal currently ongoing.

On behalf of North Bradley Parish Council, it was stated that the parish was very disappointed by the decision of Wiltshire Council to transfer 25% of the parish land to Trowbridge during the Community Governance Review. It was also noted there had been 2 applications for outline permission south of the White Horse Business Park, and the parish council was seeking to get the council to coordinate the proposals.

In relation to Hilperton it was stated the non-statutory public enquiry on the village green application for Church Field had been held, with a decision due in the next few months for consideration.

   iii.          Local Youth Network

It was stated that the group had met virtually, but no recommendation had been made on the youth grant application which would be considered later in the meeting.

   iv.          Trowbridge Wellbeing Centre Development Group

It was noted that the group had been concerned regarding issues around the East Wing site given the problems with the pool at Clarendon. The group had not met during Covid-19, but discussions would be held with council officers on what developments were taking place.

     v.          Safer and Supportive Communities Group and Health and Wellbeing Group

It was confirmed the former group had met since Covid-19 restrictions, and in relation to the Health and Wellbeing Group it was confirmed it had met virtually, and were discussing schemes and approaches that could be supported.

To receive an update on the consultation for Area Board Boundaries to apply from May 2021.

A presentation was received outlining the consultation on the Area Board Boundary Review. The review was taking place as the new Electoral Divisions for Wiltshire Council taking affect for May 2021 did not align in many areas with the existing Area Boards.

A consultation on the proposals from the Electoral Review Committee would run until 31 October 2020. In the case of Trowbridge there were no changes to the area covered by the Area Board, and it was simply that the Divisions had shifted positions slightly.

Full Council would consider any proposals at a meeting on 24 November 2020.

To receive an update from the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

A presentation was received from Jerry Herbert, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner. He provided details of the updated Police and Crime Plan following the extension of the Commissioner’s term to May 2021 as a result of Covid-19. He also provided details of the Commissioner’s Annual Report for 2019/20.

The increase in recruitment and officer numbers as detailed in the presentation was discussed, with a baseline of 1050 officers for the current year up from 934, and details were provided on when tranches of officers and community support officers would be trained.

Policing during the Covid-19 pandemic was also discussed, including the review of fixed penalty notices issued under new legislation. The Board discussed the importance of community support officers and support staff, and it was stated Wiltshire had not reversed civilianisation of some posts, and that the neighbourhood teams with dedicated officers to work with the community support officers for an area remained a key priority.

To receive an update from the interim Head of Economic Development.

An update was received from Rory Bowen, Interim Head of Economic Development on the Future High Street Fund. A submission was made to government in July 2020 following approval by the council’s Cabinet. The bid was being evaluated and announcements were expected late October or early November 2020. £23.7m had been sought and it was not expected the entirety would be provided, though it was anticipated some amount of it likely would be.

The submission was based on opportunities within the existing Trowbridge Masterplan and the criteria of the fund, including regeneration and diversification of the high street. The intention was that if funding was received it would open up other opportunities beyond the town centre.

The Board discussed the update, and it was stated in response to queries there had not been an extension to the timeframes for the Fund delivery. It was agreed that there should be engagement with the Wellbeing Centre Working Group and the Town Council following a successful bid.

To receive an update on local business recovery including from Kez Garner, Chair of the Trowbridge Chamber.

The item was introduced by Rory Bowen, Interim Head of Economic Development, noting that a successful Future High Streets Fund bid would tie into aiding any local business recovery. Details were provided of business support in the town as a result of the impact of Covid-19. Approximately 442 payments totally £5m of government funds had been allocated in Trowbridge.

Resources had also been provided through the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, to which businesses were directed for assistance. Analysis was taking place to identifying the structural measures which could be taken to assist with economic recovery, including implementation of the Trowbridge Masterplan. At present it was considered that Trowbridge was not more exposed than other similar towns in Wiltshire, with food manufacturing reasonable buoyant, but retail and hospitality hard hit. The winding down of the government furlough scheme meant there would need to be more redundancy support.

Kez Garner from the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce then presented to the Board. She noted that the Chamber had expanded its free membership and worked to increase collaboration and discussion between businesses in the town. The Chamber had worked to signpost available grants to businesses and increase mentoring work. The pressures on local businesses was highlighted, but also that some businesses had sought to expand and work in different ways as a necessity of the impact from Covid-19. It was reported footfall had reportedly largely recovered, but new measures regarding hospitality time limits had a big impact.

Subgroups of the Chamber including looking at environmental issues was raised, along with the markets taking place on the Innox Mills site which had been successful. The Chamber would be undertaking further virtual meetings and in future physical meetings and an expo and had been working with other chambers to work on a more regional basis.

The Board thanked Mr Bowen and Ms Garner for presenting, and in particular for the great deal of work that had taken place with the Chamber in the past year. The Board sought details of any assistance it could provide, and it was agreed that the Community Engagement Manager would discuss the matter with the Chamber, as the Communities team was undertaking work on supporting groups in their local area.

The Area Board considered the following applications to the Community Area Grant Scheme 2011/12:

       i.        Name of applicant

The sum of £xx was requested for xx

Decision

The Area Board awarded the sum of £xx to xx.

Reason: The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria 2011/12 and xx

      ii.        Name of applicant

The sum of £xx was requested for xx

Decision

The Area Board awarded the sum of £xx to xx.

Reason: The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria 2011/12 and xx

    iii.        Name of applicant

The sum of £xx was requested for xx

Decision

The Area Board awarded the sum of £xx to xx.

Reason: The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria 2011/12 and xx

    iv.        Name of applicant

The sum of £xx was requested for xx

Decision

The Area Board awarded the sum of £xx to xx.

Reason: The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria 2011/12 and xx

      v.        Name of applicant

The sum of £xx was requested for xx

Decision

The Area Board awarded the sum of £xx to xx.

Reason: The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria 2011/12 and xx

    vi.        Name of applicant

The sum of £xx was requested for xx

Decision

The Area Board awarded the sum of £xx to xx.

Reason: The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria 2011/12 and xx

The grant from Trowbridge Museum was withdrawn prior to the meeting.

Wiltshire Music Centre

The sum of £1500.00 was requested for phase 2 of the Celebrating Age Wiltshire project. Following discussion including confirmation the project would be continuing despite Covid-19 and other details, and on the motion of Cllr David Halik, seconded by Cllr Stewart Palmen, it was,

Resolved:

The Area Board awarded the sum of £1500.00 to Wiltshire Music Centre.

Reason: The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria

Fairfield Farm College

The sum of £5000.00 was requested for the Hope nature Centre Adventure Playground. Following discussion including confirmation the project would be continuing despite Covid-19 and other details including other funding and operation of the centre with relevant safety restrictions, and on the motion of Cllr Steve Oldrieve, seconded by Cllr Stewart Palmen, it was,

Resolved:

The Area Board awarded the sum of £5000.00 to Fairfield Farm College.

Reason: The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria

The Photo Club,  Young Photographers Competition grant application was deferred to the next meeting.

Following recommendation of the Community Area Transport Group, it was,

Resolved:

6-20-6 Pedestrian crossing request - Wiltshire Drive, Trowbridge - to fund a pedestrian survey with £600 allocated funding.

16-20-2 Pedestrian Crossing – Bradley Road Nr Aldi, Trowbridge - to fund a pedestrian survey with £600 allocated funding.

16-20-3 Pedestrian crossing – Bradley Road nr Spitfire Retail Park - to fund a pedestrian survey with £600 allocated funding.

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

With agreement of the Chairman, there was discussion of local development around the town and the quality of housebuilding, and whether it would be possible to encourage a more coordinated approach between developers with a focus on addressing concerns of those in the town, for instance relating to carbon footprints. It was agreed to hold a discussion between Board Members on the subject, with parishes invited.