Agenda item

To receive updates from the key partners:

a)  Wiltshire Police

b)  Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

c)  NHS Wiltshire

d)  Northern Community Area Partnership

e)  Parish and Town Councils

f)    Westlea

g)  Chambers of Commerce

h)  Community Area Young People’s Issue Group – Councillors Doyle* & Roberts*

i)    Task and Finish Group for Youth Activities

j)    C&DCA (formerly Cricklade Leisure Centre) – Councillor Colmer*

k)  Community & RAF Fairford Liaison Group – Councillor Colmer*

l)    Viridor Grants Panel – Councillor Groom*

m)The Richard Jones Foundation – Councillor Groom*.

*councillors elected as nominated representatives to the outside bodies

The following partner updates were received:

Wiltshire Police

The written report was noted and Inspector Cox responded on the following issues:

While the police acknowledged that stinger training caused upset for local residents and drivers, it was necessary that this exercise was carried out on public roads to be effective.

Metal theft was an increasing problem and special measures had been put in place including liaison with scrap dealers to track suppliers.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The written report was noted.

NHS Wiltshire

The written report was noted and Jo Howes, Community Engagement Manager, announced the new Out of Hours service for Wiltshire.

Northern Community Area Partnership

Bob Jones, Chairman, expressed concern that he had not yet received replies to his questions from the previous meeting.

Action

The Democratic Services Officer agreed to investigate.

Parish and Town Councils

Wootton Bassett Town Council

Mr Leighfield gave a verbal update on the recent activities and successes of the town council and its community.  The town council had convened a special meeting to consider the role of the Northern Community Partnership which had returned a vote of no confidence.  The town council were to present a new approach under the later agenda item at this Area Board meeting.

Westlea Housing Association

Martyn Baker, Customer Access Manager, reported on an event ‘Wiltshire Money’ which would take place at Market Lavington Village Hall on 5 May 2010.  The event aimed to raise awareness around financial inclusion and all were invited to attend.

Cricklade Chamber of Commerce

Bob Jones, Chairman, reminded the meeting that the Worm Charming competition was to be held on Sunday.

Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce

Paul Dunn thanked Wiltshire Police for the help in organising the Mother’s Day Bike Ride for Afghan Heroes.  A traders meeting was also arranged for 6 April 2010 to consider the effects of the closure of RAF Lyneham on local businesses.  He pointed out that the repatriations also affected local trade.  A conference on the possible uses of the site was to be arranged soon.

Community Area Young People’s Issues Group

Kevin Emsley, Wiltshire Youth Parliament, gave an update on his youth manifesto that included youth transport and the condition of local pathways.

Youth Task and Finish Group

Councillor Lay gave an update on the recently held meeting that considered the provision of youth activities.  These activities, when collated, would be advertised through the school web-site.

Cricklade & District Community Association

The community group continued to run the leisure centre well and were awaiting the forthcoming leisure review.

Action

Laurie Bell, Service Director, agreed to arrange a meeting with the centre’s manager to consider the issue.

Community and RAF Fairford Liaison Group

It was reported that the site had been ‘moth-balled’ but that it could be brought back into operation with 48 hours.

Viridor Grants Panel

The panel had met in January where four well presented applications had been approved.  The meeting was reminded that applications had to be for projects within ten miles of Calne.

The Richard Jones Foundation

Councillor Groom gave a brief report.