Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for the Amesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year 2013/14.

The Democratic Services officer invited nominations for the position of Chairman of the Amesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year 2013/14.

Decision

Councillor John Smale was elected Chairman of the Amesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year 2013/14.

Councillor Smale in the Chair

To elect a Vice-Chairman for Amesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year 2013/14.

The Chairman sought nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman of the Amesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year 2013/14.

Decision

Councillor Mike Hewitt was elected Vice-Chairman of the Amesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year 2013/14.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Amesbury Area Board.

At the Chairman’s invitation, the councillors and officers sitting at the front of the meeting introduced themselves.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr John Noeken and Inspector C Lange.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 21 February 2013.

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 February 2013 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

Councillor Fred Westmoreland declared a non-pecuniary interest in items 13 and 15 of the agenda, as he was a member of Amesbury Town Council.  He stated that he would consider the matters concerned with an open mind.  Councillor Westmoreland remained in the meeting and spoke and voted on these items.

Cllr Graham Wright stated that he recognised Cllr John Noeken’s excellent job on the Cabinet over the last four years.  He noted that the Amesbury Area Board had achieved some successes but that attendance had dwindled at recent meetings.

Cllr Wright went on to say that the agenda was not driven by the community and that there was no workable community plan. Whilst recognising Karen Linaker’s excellent work, he felt that a full time Community Area Manager was needed.  He also expressed concern at the low number of people that had voted at the May election.

Cllr Wright stated that the Area Board could be more:

·         Innovative

·         Creative

·         Positive

·         Forward thinking

Items needed to be community led and he hoped that the board would work towards progress and change over the next four years.

7a:     Protecting Children and Young People

To inform the Board of the introduction of a revised safeguarding document and toolkit.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

(a)  Revised Multi Agency Thresholds for Safeguarding Children 2013

A thorough review of guidance on safeguarding thresholds has taken place and a revised document and practitioners’ toolkit can be found at www.wiltshirepathways.org and at www.wiltshirelscb.org.  Views and comments can be sent to Pathways@wiltshire.gov.uk.

(b)  Bus Service – New Contract

A consultation was currently taking place regarding the future of the Wiltshire Connect2 Wiltshire taxi bus service for the Amesbury area.  The Area Board members urged people to make their views known.  It was important to support and publicise this service so that it is not lost.  The consultation ends on 2 August 2013.

(c)  Letter from Bulford Parish Council

The Chairman thanked Bulford Parish Council for the letter it had sent to the Area Board regarding the last four years.  The Board would take the issues raised into consideration and hoped to find new ways of working over the next four years.

(d)  Parish Stewards Workshop

It was noted that a Parish Stewards Workshop would take place at City Hall, Salisbury on 7 June from 6pm to 8pm.

On 27 June there would be a meeting with Parish Representatives and the Area Board. 

Note: The 27 June meeting has been postponed due to members’ non- availability due to other commitments.

Karen Linaker, Amesbury Community Area Manager, gave an update regarding local issues which had been raised since 21 February 2013 as follows:

·         Durrington Town Council had raised an issue regarding a footpath between the Stonehenge Inn and Countess Road.

·         Carers’ strategy.

·         Street signs in certain areas.

·         Salt bins and litter bins in Amesbury and elsewhere.

·         C22 road Tilshead to Chitterne – lack of road markings – this was now on the action list to be dealt with.

·         Amesbury bus station – preferred alternative stop.

·         Lorry noise on A345 layby south of Countess Roundabout.

A question was asked regarding the new contractor for streetscene services.  Would the guarantee on roadworks be carried over?  It was agreed that the Community Area Manager would find out the answer to this question.

In response to queries previously received from the Bourne Valley Alliance regarding a youth transport grant of £3,000 for young people in the valley, it was clarified that this funding was available for any youth transport project being organised by any of the villages in the valley, and not just for Idmiston.  Apologies were given for any confusion caused due to the previous title of the grant “Bourne Valley Youth Project”.  The board now understood that the grant needed to be referred to by a different title, so as not to confuse it with the separate “Bourne Valley Youth Project”, which it understood had recently ceased to exist.  The board confirmed that one initiative currently being progressed that would draw on some of the £3,000 was a trip to a bike event in Bristol, and it was hoped that this trip would take place in the coming months.

To receive updates from the Town and Parish Council Representatives, and from other partner organisations, including outside bodies on which the Area Board is represented.

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.

(a)  NHS Wiltshire

Mark Harris from the South Wiltshire CCG reported that the CCG had been established on 1 April 2013.  A contract had been signed with Salisbury Hospital and good relationships had been established between clinicians to promote effective joint working.

The performance of the NHS 111 service was still below the levels at which it was commissioned but work was continuing to improve the service.

GPs were continuing to work with care homes to avoid the need for unnecessary hospital admissions.  There were seven staff who would work with practices before and after admission.  Salisbury hospital had coped very well through the winter period and had reached its performance targets.

The CCG was hoping to foster links with the community by linking with existing groups. 

(b)  Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Mike Franklin reported that the Fire Authority would be considering its Risk Management Plan which would be circulated to Area Boards once finalised.  The Authority had also been working with the adult care service and “help to live at home” to improve safety.  There had been three accidental fires in the community area in April.

A representative would not be able to attend all Area Board meetings in future but would remain in contact with the Community Area Manager (CAM).  Local firefighters would be attending future meetings.

In response to a question Mike Franklin agreed to send statistics to the CAM regarding how many accidents had taken place on the A303 and how many of these had been at Stonehenge.

ACTION: Mike Franklin

(c)  Wiltshire Police

The new Team Sergeant for the area was Ricky Lee.  The recent operation to prevent the theft of handbags from motor vehicles had been very successful.  Break ins had been mainly from sheds and garages.  Durrington Town Council thanked Scott Young, PCSO for his sensible method of policing.

In response to a question it was agreed that Steve Colewell, Traffic Officer would send statistical information regarding incidents on the A303.

ACTION: Steve Colewell, Traffic Officer

(d)  Shrewton Parish Council

The parish representative referred to the points in the written update on page 21 of the agenda, and in particular thanked the CATG for its ongoing consideration of a number of highway and local transport matters in Shrewton.

(e)  Durrington Town Council

In response to concerns raised by the Town Council, the Chairman referred to a statement that had been received from Wiltshire Council’s Planning Department apologising for the difficulties faced by a number of parish councils following upgrades to the online system.  The Chairman also congratulated the Town Council on achieving “Power of General Competence” status.

To introduce Andy Cole as the local Highways and Streetscene engineer and provide a brief overview on the proposed new way of working.

Andy Cole, Highways Engineer, provided an update on the changes to the local highway and streetscene service. The staffing structure has been changed to reflect the new highway and streetscene contract, which commences on the 1 June 2013.

The new contract brings together a multitude of services into one contract, allowing a single point of delivery, removing duplication in processes (invoicing, back office functions etc) and maximising the economies of scale. The existing Parish Steward Scheme, grass cutting, litter collection and town centre cleaning activities are all contained in the new contract and will continue, but the operatives will be known as Community Stewards.  The new contract brings these activities together to deliver efficiencies and serve improvements.

Each of the area boards will have a community coordinator to manage all the local highway and streetscene operational issues and they will be the point of contact for the parish and town councils. 

An Engineer will provide the technical support and attend the Community Area Board Transport Groups for two community areas. 

The new highway and streetscene contract, which commences on 1June, will reduce several contractors to one provider, Balfour Beatty Living Places.  This provides an opportunity to introduce new ways of working and the council has arranged a series of workshops with town and parish councils to discuss this further and to ensure they are fully informed and involved with the new service arrangements. 

The Community Coordinator for the Amesbury area had not yet been confirmed but they would be based at Kennet House, Hopton Industrial Estate, London Road, Devizes along with the engineer for the area, Andy Cole.

To receive updates from the following:

·       Community Facilities, Health and Well-Being

·       Crime and Community Safety

·       Sport, Leisure and Culture

·       Environment

·       Housing, Economic Development, Planning and Tourism

The Community Plan had been agreed two years ago and it was hoped to revise priorities later in the year and to hold a consultation event in 2014.  Key updates since last reporting were:

• Community Facilities, Health and Wellbeing Panel – the impact of amendments to Wiltshire Council’s Carers’ Support Strategy was a current focus and this may in turn become an item for the full board’s consideration

• Environment Panel - a meeting had been set up to discuss the dog warden training project and training dates would be circulated when set. 

Sports, Leisure and Culture Panel - the Sports Fest event would take place on Sunday 14 July from 2-6pm at the Durrington Recreation Ground.

To consider an update from the Community Area Transport Group (CATG) in relation to the funding available towards Local Transport Projects.

The Area Board considered an update on schemes currently being considered by the Community Area Transport Group (CATG).

Since the last meeting in February, two transport schemes had been completed – Broken Cross Bridge (A338) and Church Street Amesbury (footway widening).  Work on the footpath between Durrington and Amesbury was imminent.

Decision

To appoint Cllr Mike Hewitt as Chairman of the Community Area Transport Group (CATG).

The Area Board is asked to consider an application submitted by Amesbury Town Council for the transfer of land at Southmill Hill, Amesbury.

The Area Board considered an application for the transfer of land at Southmill Hill, Amesbury to be transferred to Amesbury Town Council in accordance with Wiltshire Council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy.

Decision

To approve the transfer of land at Southmill Hill, Amesbury to Amesbury Town Council.

ACTION: Karen Linaker, Community Area Manager.

To note the Village Design Statements within the Amesbury Area. (hard copies available at the meeting)

The Area Board noted the Village Design Statements (VDS) within the Amesbury Area, copies of which were available at the meeting.  Durrington’s VDS had been endorsed earlier in the year.

Decision

To recommend to the Southern Area Planning Committee that the Village Design Statement for Idmiston, Gomeldon and Porton be endorsed.

ACTION: Marie Todd, Area Board and Member Support Manager to forward recommendation to Southern Area Planning Committee.

To determine any applications for Community Area Grant funding.

The Area Board considered applications for Community Area Grant funding.

Decision

Winterbourne Parish Council was awarded £5,000 towards the replacement and refurbishment of QEII village field, conditional on the balance of funding being in place.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2013/14 and would enhance local facilities for the benefit of a range of community priorities.

Decision

Larkhill Choral Society was awarded £179.98 towards the purchase of a new CCTV system.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2013/14 and relates to arts, culture and leisure.

Decision

Great Durnford Cricket Club was awarded £3,000 towards the cost of a new gang mower

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2013/14.

Decision

Langford Parish Hall Committee was awarded £337.50 towards the cost of replacement windows conditional on the balance of funding being in place.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2013/14 and the hall is used by a variety of community groups.

Decision

To defer the Amesbury Town Council application for river bank works in Lords Walk pending further information, and, in particular whether the Environment Agency can help in any way.

Reason – Further information is required to ascertain whether any alternative sources of funding are available and to ensure that the Environment Agency is aware of the proposed works.

Decision

Tilshead Village Hall Committee was awarded £3.073.50 towards the cost of village hall refurbishment works (new kitchen equipment and damp proofing the floors), conditional on the balance of funding being in place.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria for 2013/14 and the hall is of benefit to the whole community.

Decision

St Michael’s Primary School was awarded £500 towards the Early Years Project from the Area Board’s revenue budget.

Reason - The application was supported on the basis that it accords with the board’s community plan priority for children and young people.

Decision

The Sport, Culture and Leisure Community Planning Panel was awarded £3,000 towards project and administrative support costs for the Sports Fest event (summer 2013).

Reason – The Sports Fest event would be open to the whole community and would encourage sports and leisure activities.

Decision

The Amesbury Community Area Planning Panels were awarded £6,240 for administrative support costs (from 2 September 2013 to 31 March 2014)

Reason – To facilitate the production of a Community Plan for the area and to provide administrative support to the panels.

ACTION: Karen Linaker, Community Area Manager

To consider the report of the Democratic Services Officer asking the Board to reappoint Councillor representatives to Outside Bodies, reconstitute and appoint to working groups and note terms of reference for the working groups.

The Area Board considered appointments to outside bodies and the reconstitution of its working groups.

Decision

(1)  To agree to make the following appointments to outside bodies:

Amesbury Youth Advisory Service (YAG) – Cllrs John Smale and Graham Wright

Stonehenge World Heritage Site Steering Group – Cllrs Ian West and Fred Westmoreland

Tenants Panel – Cllr Mike Hewitt

(2)  To agree to reconstitute and appoint to the following working groups:

Community Area Transport Group – Cllr Mike Hewitt as Chairman.  To ask officers to contact Town and Parish Councils to confirm who they wish to nominate to be considered for membership to represent their larger area as the Group is limited to 10.

Shadow Community Operations Board:

Rachel Goff – Wiltshire Council Officer

Cllr Fred Westmoreland – Area Board Representative (Deputy – Cllr Graham Wright)

Cllr Andrew Rhind-Tutt – Town/Parish Council Rep

Claire Broom and David Edwards – Education and Young People

Janet Tidd, David Widgington and Alex Southey – User and Community Groups

Vacancy – Wider Community

(3)  To note the terms of reference for the working groups as set out in appendix C of the report.

ACTION: Marie Todd, Area Board and Member Support Manager.

To note the attached Forward Work Plan.

The next meeting of the Amesbury Area Board will be held on 18 July 2013 at Figheldean Village Hall, Pollen Lane, Figheldean SP4 8HD.

An informal meeting of the Board will take place on 27 June 2013, venue TBC.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Amesbury Area Board would be held on 18 July 2013 at Figheldean Village Hall.  An informal meeting with Town and Parish Councils was due to take place on 27 June 2013.

Note: The informal meeting with Town and Parish Councils has now been postponed.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending.