Agenda item

Verbal Updates:

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Town and Parish Councils Nominated Representatives

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Written Updates:

The Board is asked to note the following written and online updates attached to the agenda:

·       Wiltshire Police

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board noted a written updates attached to the agenda and supplement. In addition, Inspector Kevin Harmsworth provided a verbal update which covered the following points:

·       An overview of the Local Priorities and updates was provided, including the following areas which had been included within the agenda pack: Road Safety, Rural Crime and Community Engagement.

·       It was noted that there had been an increase in exposure incidents and that an arrest had taken place as well as an investigation and increased patrols.

·       Two Vietnamese males had recently been arrested following the discovery of a Cannabis growth in a Westbury industrial estate.

·       17 arrests had been made by the dedicated burglary unit since July.

·       There had been a spike in weapon possessions however this is purely down to business-as-usual patrol activity.

·       Reference was drawn to the Road Safety update included within the agenda supplement.

After the verbal update, there was time for the following questions and points to be made:

·       It was clarified that though Wiltshire Police were aware of Operation Snap (dashcam footage), they were not actively involved in the operation.

·       It was clarified that an excessive letter for road safety was issues when an individual was in excess of the speed limit however not enough to be placed on a road safety course or to be awarded points on their licence.

·       Gratitude was placed towards the service for the decrease in antisocial behaviour in the Westbury area over the past year.

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The Area Board noted a written updates attached to the supplement. The Area Board received a verbal update from Station Manager, Mark Hillier, which covered the following points:

·       The service had tried to reduce risk and harm in communities by targeting those who might be vulnerable and do not have smoke detectors, with Safe and Well visits able to be booked by request online.

·       Work had taken place with local businesses to protect them from fire, with visits also able to be booked online.

·       Recruitment had been ongoing with 10 staff now working in Westbury and a further 4 people set to join as on call fire fighters.

·       A campaign recently took place relating to outdoor hazards and water safety.

·       There had been a slight rise in ebikes and escooters being left on charge with batteries overheating.

·       There had been no spike in incidents or incidents of interest.

·       The service will be taking the Safe Drive Stay Alive show to a local secondary school this month.

After the verbal update, there was time for the following questions and points to be made:

·       It was clarified that if someone wanted to book a Safe and Well visit the best place to do so would be the Service website: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service (dwfire.org.uk)

·       Town and Parish Council Nominated Representative

The Area Board received the following verbal update from Cllr Sheila Kimmins on behalf of Westbury Town Council. The update covered the following matters:

·       The Chili Fest took place last Saturday and was attended by around 2000-3000 people with conversations already taking place regarding next year’s event.

·       Community surveys are currently taking place relating to the updating of the Rotunda and a Multi Use Games Area in Grassacres.

·       Delegated services are being discussed.

·       Close contact has been maintained with the Post Office Counter service with the plan to have a Post Office in Westbury once arrangements can be sorted.

The Area Board received the following verbal update from Cllr Alison Irving on behalf of Dilton Marsh Parish Council. The update covered the following matters:

·       Dilton Marsh was involved in the Pollinator Corridor project with three areas currently looking good and it hoped that next year will be even better.

·       The Parish has been involved with Community Speedwatch but has lacked volunteers.

·       Dilton Marsh was currently subject to potential large planning developments but is hopeful given their neighbourhood plan.