Agenda item

To receive any updates from the following partners:

      i.         Wiltshire Police

    ii.        Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

   iii.        NHS Wiltshire

   iv.        Town and Parish Council Nominated Representatives

    v.        Corsham Community Area Network (CCAN)

   vi.        Chamber of Commerce

  vii.        Shadow Community Operations Board

viii.        Wiltshire Involvement Network.

Various updates from partners were contained within the agenda pack for information. Further verbal updates from partners were received as follows:

Wiltshire Police

Sergeant Alex Reid introduced the report from the Police and stated that there had been a good period recently around the town.

In response to a question regarding support for Neighbourhood Watch schemes, Sergeant Reid advised that they provided a valuable service, but that communications could be improved as well as making more use of social media. Volunteers were encouraged to come forward.

Sergeant Reid also reported, in response to a question regarding mobile phone use whilst driving, that this constituted an offence and so needed to be witnessed by a Police Officer for action to be taken. If it was a case of regular offenders, it was advised that a log of incidents with details should be made and passed to the Police.

Box Parish Council

There was a team of 6 volunteers currently awaiting Community Speedwatch training. Other news in the parish included the arrival of the Circus in October, and the new Circle of Stones.

Colerne Parish Council

Planning development issues was a concern in the parish at present, particularly because various planning applications were being refused by officers for what was felt to be subjective reasons, even when there was support for the developments from local people. The Parish Council was looking to meet with officers from the Planning Department to attempt to address these concerns.

Corsham Town Council

The Gastard Community Speedwatch and the Neston Lorrywatch schemes were running well at present. The Community Area Transport Group was also continuing to run successfully and parking passes for school users was currently being investigated. It was also announced that Corsham Court had won a second gold and a ‘best display in class’ award at the South Wilts in Blooms competition. The Chairman offered congratulations on behalf of the Area Board.

Corsham Community Area Network (CCAN)

The main focus at present was updating the Community Area Plan, which would be launched at the AGM on 30 October in the Town Hall. The new blogsite ‘Our Community Matters’ would also be launched at the AGM, and people were encouraged to attend.

Shadow Community Operations Board (COB)

The Chairman reported that there were a lot of ground works going on for the development of the new community campus. The Shadow COB had met recently with the contractor; Midas, and it was hoped that Midas would continue to communicate effectively with the community.

There was some concern expressed regarding the parking arrangements and charges for the campus car park once it was developed. There was acknowledgement that, if the parking was free, there would be no restrictions for preventing people from parking there all day.

The Shadow COB provided assurance of the intention to explore the parking options fully. The Town Council requested that it be consulted and kept up to date with developments on this matter.

Wiltshire Involvement Network (WIN)

The written update from WIN was received and noted. WIN was a charity concerned with health and social care issues across Wiltshire, and was keen to engage more with the network of Area Boards. It was reported that ‘concern forms’ were available for members of the public to submit any concerns they may have.