Agenda item

To receive any updates from partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

·       Healthwatch

·       POPCAN

·       Town and Parish Councils Nominated Representatives

Some written updates have been received and are included in this agenda.

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received a verbal update from Inspector Al Lumley. An overview was provided of the performance over the last 12 months to July 2021, which included the following points:

• In July 2021 10,020 “999” calls were received and were answered within 11 seconds on average. Additionally, in July 2021, 1,908 emergency incidents were attended within 10 minutes and 11 seconds on average.
• Comparative data was provided which saw Westbury very aligned with the rest of the force, suggesting that there is not one specific issue affecting Westbury.
• Stop and Search data was provided with 64.4% of searches having found nothing on the individual.

An overview of the local priorities for Westbury was provided, which included the following areas:

·       Speed Enforcement – The Police are aware that this continues to be an issue especially following the easing of restrictions. Community Speedwatch teams are active, and the Police are trying to support them with a uniformed presence. Speed enforcement is still heavily reliant on residents reporting concerns regarding specific locations.

·       Car Meets – The was an impromptu 200 car gathering on the borders of Westbury, which was a significant anti-social issue for residents and businesses. The Police aim to attend these to provide education and to disperse when appropriate.

·       E-Scooters – Due to the divisive nature of E-Scooters the Police are responding proportionally and are speaking to individuals to educate them before escalating if needed. Repeat offenders will face prosecution with their vehicles seized.

·       Rural Crime – There has been a national rise in GPS equipment being stolen from farms. Though this has happened in Wiltshire, none have happened in Westbury. There is a focus on putting out messages to educate rural landowners and farmers.

·       Protests – Protests have taken place regarding the Westbury incinerator. The Police have attended these to ensure that they were lawful and peaceful.

Following the verbal update there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

·       A point was made that there have been at least five community Speedwatch stations in Westbury Town completely unmanned whilst others have struggled to recruit volunteers, with volunteers being exposed to intimidation and abuse. Inspector Lumley acknowledged that intimidation is an issue and there is the intention for uniformed Police to attend Speedwatch stations to provide support, even for short durations.

·       It was questioned when will law and regulation get up to speed with E-scooters being used? Inspector Lumley stated that the Police find out about new legislation when the public do, up until this point enforcement is therefore down to discretion.

·       Lack of Police attendance at Parish Council meetings was mentioned, to which Inspector Lumley agreed to raise with Sergeant Kevin Harmsworth.

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The Area Board received a verbal update from Ray Bridgman, Station Manager.  The update covered the following matters:

·       Recruitment of on-call fire fighters is always actively taking place, and someone has been recruited and will be starting training in September; meaning that Westbury has 10 members of staff in an establishment with a capacity of 12.

·       SPARC courses for those aged between 13-18 years old will begin in September (replacing Salamander courses) as well as Fire Cadets in September at Trowbridge Fire Station.

·       In July, the service attended 6 false alarms, 2 fires and 7 road traffic collisions. One of the road traffic collisions was a 3-vehicle incident on the A36 where 2 people sadly lost their lives, and 2 people were rescued by crews.

·       Westbury is set to appoint a new Station Manager in the future, Simon Todd, with Ray Bridgman moving posts.

Following the verbal update there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

·       Clarity was sought regarding the Fire Cadets. Mr Bridgman explained that this has been developed to improve the self-esteem and confidence of young people, as well as allowing them to improve communication skills and understand safety issues and the issues caused by anti-social behaviour.

·       The Fire and Rescue service were encouraged to place a grant application if applicable as previously the Area Board has supported the Salamander courses.

·       BaNES, Swindon & Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BSW CCG)

The Area Board noted a written update attached to the agenda.

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

The Area Board noted a written update attached to the agenda supplement.

·       POPCAN (Penleigh Park Group)

The Area Board received an update from Sheila Kimmins on behalf of POPCAN. The update covered the following matters:

·       It was a busy summer which started with two skateboard events. Both events had an average of over 70 children in attendance.

·       9 Dodgeball events took place twice a week with over 65 children in attendance through all weather conditions.

·       Looking to the future there is the AGM coming up as well as awaiting confirmation of being a registered charity from the Charities Commission. Next half-term another uniform exchange has been planned and POPCAN will also have a stall at Chilli Fest on 25 September for fundraising.

·       Town and Parish Councils Nominated Representatives

Sheila Kimmins (Mayor) provided an update on behalf of Westbury Town Council. The update covered the following matters:

·       Smell produced from Hills Waste Solutions has caused upset and disruption within the community. Cllr Wickham updated that she has been in contact with residents and the Wiltshire Council Public Health team, who have provided an update that the third section of the Hills filter has been replaced. This will eventually resolve the issue but will take time.

·       The Town Council is working to ensure that the Secretary of State calls in the Westbury Incinerator and the Mayor has written to the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency as well as the Leader and Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council. Protests have continued with a peaceful one having taking place last month with 280 people in attendance.

·       Wednesday markets have been doing very well and the Town Council are discussing whether they should continue further. Christmas preparations have also begun with events being booked as well as 20 stalls booked for the market.

John Pollard provided an update on behalf of Edington Parish Council. The update covered the following matters:

·       Events are slowly getting back underway for residents including minibuses and lunch clubs. The Parish Council is slowing making progress back towards normal life.