Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2011.

Councillor Fred Westmoreland declared a prejudicial interest in item 10 (Performance Reward Grants - specifically the application from Amesbury Town Council) as he was a Member of Amesbury Town Council.  Councillor Westmoreland confirmed that he would leave the room during consideration of the item.

      i.        Information Updates

a.    Subsidised Bus Services

b.    Proposed changes to arrangements governing the Councillors’ Code of Conduct

c.    End of Life Care Strategy

d.    Durrington Town Council – reaccreditation of Quality Status

    ii.        Current Consultations

a.    Reducing Child Poverty Strategy

The Chairman referred to the written announcements set out at pages 17 – 24 of the agenda.

The Chairman congratulated Durrington Town Council on retaining its quality status accreditation; Durrington was one of only 14 town councils in the county to have achieved this.

The Chairman referred to the updates set out in the agenda and invited further updates from Town/Parish Councils and other Partners, including outside bodies.  It was noted that the preferred option was for written updates, to minimise time spent during the meeting.

Police

Inspector Martyn Sweett referred to the written report set out at pages 25-27 of the agenda, noting the minor changes to the team structure, from 4 April  He explained that this would not affect the deployment of officers at beat level, but was largely an administrative change, designed to streamline partnership working, with one Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) servicing each Community Area in the County.

Inspector Sweett also commented on the sad death of Nicholas Marris, paying tribute to the community spirit in Shrewton and thanking residents for their help in the search.

Overall, total crime for the Amesbury Community Area was down by 5% over the past 12 months, with on-going minor issues of graffiti and theft of lead.

Councillor Graham Wright thanked Inspector Sweett for his officers’ hard work, noting the excellent crime figures for Durrington and Larkhill.

Fire and Rescue

Mike Bagwell (Station Manager for Salisbury Fire Station, and Supervisor for Amesbury Retained Fire Station) reported that the Fire Service was seeking to recruit more retained fire fighters across the county.

In Amesbury, there were two front line fire engines (each with a crew of 5-6) plus an emergency support unit.  Although this was an unusually large resource for a retained fire station, this was due to the proximity of trunk roads through the area.  The station received around 350-400 calls per year, and would usually be staffed with a complement of 18.  It was currently operating with only 14.

It was noted that many people expressed interest in training to become a retained fire fighter, but that it could be difficult to get the employer’s support, as the staff would need to be released at short notice to respond to call-outs.  Anyone fit and active and over 18 was encouraged to apply; further details were available at the back of the room, or on the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue website: http://www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/Jobs/Retained_FF/jobs_RFF_Introduction.htm

It was noted that discussions were held with the big employers in the area (e.g. Tesco, and Wiseman Dairies) regarding the possibility of their staff being given the flexibility to apply to become retained fire fighters.

NHS Wiltshire

Councillor Mike Hewitt commented that the Primary Care Trust was not able to send a representative to every meeting due to sickness absence and staffing difficulties.  However, a written update was set out at pages 31-32 of the agenda.

Parish Councils

The Chairman commented on the government’s requirement for all Town and Parish Councils to comply with regulations for Pay As You Earn tax deduction (PAYE), National Insurance contributions and Data Protection.  A number of Parish Councils had sought advice and assistance on these matters, and the Chairman confirmed that he had written to John Glen MP and Claire Perry MP asking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Chairman invited John Salen, Project Manager (Business Change) to give a presentation on the Library Service Review.

John outlined the context of the library review, with the previously anticipated saving requirement of £500,000 over two years, representing 10% of the library budget. However, following the Governments comprehensive spending review announcement, the savings required was increased to 28.4%. 

An initial saving of 16% was achieved through management “de-layering” and via a reduction in various revenue budget lines.

Fortunately the on-going service consultation had provided information as to customer priorities, and so proposals for further savings had been put forward and agreed by the Council along the following lines:

·        Maintain a healthy stock of books

·        Continue to run an extensive information service

·        Free IT and web access for all

·        Continue to run local events and activities.

Capital investment to provide self-service machines for customer use had been requested and agreed by the full Council, which would assist the library service to provide the following:

·         21 Council-operated libraries with standardised core opening hours

·         5 mobiles libraries including a special service mobile

·         10 of the smallest libraries, (including Durrington), accounting for only 3% of the total library business, would be operated in partnership with local communities– providing opportunities for volunteers, and supported by approximately 5 hours per week of professional library staff. The buildings, utilities and information systems would continue to be funded by Wiltshire Council.

·         Opportunities for volunteers to extend the opening hours available at many local libraries, and for the library service to make best use of staff to keep libraries open for core/streamlined hours.

The plans also proposed that Amesbury Library’s opening hours would reduce from 42 hours per week to 33, retaining the evening opening (until 7pm) twice a week, plus the Saturday morning opening.

A paper had been tabled with further details of the proposed changes to the service, and with contact details for those interested in volunteering.

The Chairman thanked John for the presentation and invited questions from the floor:

·         Councillor Graham Wright thanked the libraries service for the support they had given the Durrington library, and noted that 45 people had volunteered to help so far; as such, it was hoped that the opening hours may even be more than they were previously.  John thanked the volunteers for their enthusiasm.

·         Responding to a question, John confirmed that this review would not affect the current mobile library provision, and that there were no plans to reduce this service.  It was noted that the mobile library requirement would continue to be reviewed every two years, to ensure the routes were effective and efficient, and to add additional stops if required.

At the Chairman’s invitation, Councillor Mike Hewitt (Chairman of the Community Area Transport Group) introduced the report set out at pages 39-46.

The Community Area Transport Group (CATG) had prioritised a number of schemes for funding from the budget delegated to the Area Board.  At its meeting on 1 March, the CATG had agreed to recommend that two schemes be taken forward at this stage (The Packway, Larkhill and Winterslow Road, Porton) details of which were set out in the report, at table 1.

Councillor Hewitt commented that the list of schemes would be monitored and was not closed to new requests.  In addition, any remaining funding could be rolled over from one financial year to the next.  He also reported that the CATG had discussed the option of purchasing mobile speed display units, which could then be moved around the community area. 

Responding to a question regarding speeding in the Winterbournes, Councillor Hewitt commented that the review of speed limits on A and B roads had been completed, with the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process due to commence during the summer.  It was noted that issues could also be raised with the CATG who could then prioritise these against other issues and seek assessment by officers where necessary.

Councillor Hewitt noted that a request for a pedestrian crossing on the A338 in Winterbourne (by Tanners Lane) had been missed off the list of issues considered by the CATG.  This would be rectified.

ACTION: Karen Linaker

In relation to Winterbourne Parish Council’s request to move the village sign to the correct boundary, Karen Linaker (Amesbury Community Area Manager) undertook to provide Mark Stansby’s contact details in the Highways department.  Similarly, request for clarification of signage at Allington Road, Newton Toney, could be raised through Mark.

ACTION: Karen Linaker

Responding to a comment regarding the planned 30 mph limit at the site of the new roundabout on the A345 in Durrington.  Councillor Graham Wright commented that this was related to the planning permission, and undertook to look into the matter.

ACTION: Councillor Graham Wright

It was noted that the Community Speed Watch (CSW) process was separate from Local Transport funding.  Requests for CSW sites could be submitted via the Area Board, following which a “metrocount” survey would be undertaken and the site assessed for safety and suitability.  Once a site had been selected, training and resources could be made available.

Decision

The Amesbury Area Board agreed:

a.    that the two schemes listed in bold on page 3 of the report (page 41 of the agenda) be agreed as two of the Area Board’s local transport schemes, for funding from the 2010/11 discretionary highways budget.

b.    that the scheme (A338 Porton Crossroads) be prioritised for spend in 2011/12 on low cost remedial measures, should this scheme not be approved for spend under the council’s central Local Safety Schemes Budget in 2010/11.

c.    that the scheme (Church Rd, Idmiston – traffic calming) not be prioritised for spend in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

In the absence of Councillor John Noeken (Lead member for Grants) the Chairman introduced this item.

Decision

Circular Arts Amesbury was awarded £1,000 towards the “Anything but Plain, Darling” project.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would help address rural isolation and loneliness amongst women living in rural villages and military bases in the Amesbury Community Area.  The project also supported the county’s military and civilian integration programme.

Decision

Winterbourne Parish Council was awarded £425 towards the costs of improving and expanding the allotment site at Winterbourne Gunner.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would help expand and maintain this well-used community resource, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Decision

Amesbury Community Carnival Committee was awarded £4,796 towards the costs of the 2011 Carnival & Show, which this year includes an enhanced element for all town and parish councils in the Amesbury Area and local businesses.  The grant was subject to a caveat that the grant is a one-off for 2011, and was specifically to help enhance the event for the wider community.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would support this event promoting the Amesbury Community Area, and developing links within the Community.

ACTION: Karen Linaker

Councillor Smale explained that applications for Performance Reward Grant were not for determination by the Area Board, but sought approval for referral to the Performance Reward Grant Panel, who would make a final decision.

In relation to the application from Skilled for Health, Councillors expressed concern over the high project costs on salaries and crèche facilities, and the fact that the project was limited to the families of military personnel.

Decision

The Amesbury Area Board did not support the bid from Skilled for Health.

Having declared a prejudicial interest, Councillor Fred Westmoreland left the room for consideration of the following application.  It was also noted that Councillor John Noeken, also being an Amesbury Town Councillor, had left the room when the grants panel had discussed this application.

Decision

The Amesbury Area Board supported the bid from Amesbury Town Council for “Amesbury 2012 and beyond...”, to go forward for determination by the Performance Reward Grant Panel.

ACTION: Karen Linaker

Karen Linaker, Amesbury Community Area Manager, introduced the report as set out at pages 67-72 of the agenda.

The report set out the proposed route for a cycle route from Salisbury to Amesbury, giving indicative timescales and costs for various stages. 

It was noted that consultation had been undertaken with the Parish Council, landowners and residents, in relation to stage one of the route (Ford – Hurcott).  Some respondents had queried the rationale for the officers’ recommended route being to the east of the River Bourne, as opposed to using the existing bridleway to the west of the river.  These reasons were set out at paragraphs 9-11 of the report.

Members of the public spoke in favour of both options.  The view was expressed that the proposed route to the east of the river would require cyclists to negotiate two dangerous corners through Ford.  It was also considered that the road safety issue could be overcome, and that the mixed use of horse-riders and cyclists on the route to the west could also be dangerous.  In addition, the costs of undertaking required drainage works and acquiring adjacent land to widen the route would make this a more expensive option.  On balance, the Area Board agreed to support the officers’ recommendation of the eastern route.

Decision

The Amesbury Area Board noted the update and agreed the release of £7,000 from the Board’s discretionary grants budget 2010/11 for Stage 1 of the route, as set out in the report, and the map included as appendix 1.

Reason – To enable the project to commence, and to begin addressing the identified local priority of creating more cycle routes, linking towns and villages in the Community Area.

ACTION: Karen Linaker

Karen Linaker introduced the report as set out on pages 73-80.  It was noted that if the Board were minded to approve both bids for funding, £4,893 would be allocated from the Youth Budget 2010/11 and the remaining £557 would be allocated from the Area Board’s Community Area Grants Budget.

Decision

The Amesbury Area Board agreed that the bid from BMX Skate Park Project for £5,000 be approved.

Reason – To support this project meeting objectives in the Community Area Plan

Decision

The Amesbury Area Board agreed that the bid from Amesbury CAYPIG for £450 towards a film project be approved.

Reason – To support this project promoting the positive aspects of youth work and positive activities and places for young people to go.

ACTION: Karen Linaker

To receive an update on progress made, following the discussion and resolution at the previous meeting of the Area Board on 27 January 2011.

The Chairman introduced the report as set out at page 81, explaining that a full consultation had been undertaken with town and parish councils in relation to the name of the Area Board, following a request from a number of parish councils.  The results of the consultation were set out at page 83, and it was noted that the Chairman of Berwick St James Parish Council had also advised that that parish had agreed to select Amesbury as their preferred name for the Area Board.

The Chairman confirmed the final total preferences, as follows:

·         Amesbury Area Board – 11

·         Five Valleys Area Board – 1

·         South East Wiltshire Area Board – 5

·         Stonehenge Area Board – 3

• A further 2 Parishes provided 2 options and were therefore not included in the final totals.

Decision

The Amesbury Area Board agreed to note the report, confirming the current name of the Amesbury Area Board.

To note the attached Forward Work Plan.

There will be an informal meeting of the Amesbury Area Board on the Localism Bill on Thursday 28 April 2011, at 6.30pm at Antrobus House, 39 Salisbury Road, Amesbury, SP4 7HH.  It is also anticipated that there will be discussions on the new Waste and Recycling service, and the forthcoming Waste Sites Consultation.

The next formal, decision–making meeting of the Amesbury Area Board will be held on Thursday 2 June 2011, 6pm at Figheldean Village Hall, Pollen Lane, Figheldean, SP4 8JR.  Please note that this meeting replaces that previously advertised for 26 May at Durrington Village Hall.

It was noted that there would be an informal meeting hosted by the Amesbury Area Board, at 6.30pm on Thursday 28 April, at Antrobus House, Amesbury.  This meeting would focus on the Localism Bill, and there would also be discussions on the new Waste and Recycling service, and the forthcoming Waste Sites consultation.

The next formal meeting of the Area Board would be on 2 June, at 6pm at Figheldean Village Hall, Pollen Lane, Figheldean, SP4 8JR.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending.