Agenda item

To receive updates from any of the following partners:

6.a. Wiltshire Police

6.b. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

6.c. Parish and Town Councils

6.d. CCG

6.e. Health Watch

6.f. Chamber of Commerce

6.g. BA13 Community Area Partnership

6.h. POPCAN – Penleigh Park Group

Some written updates have been received before the meeting and are included in the agenda pack.

The Area Board received and noted updates from the following partners:

          6.a Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received an update from Sergeant Kevin Harmsworth and Inspector Simon Cowdrey on behalf of Wiltshire Police. The update covered the following matters:

·       Following the road traffic collision on Friday 5 February, an investigation is currently on-going ran by the collision investigation unit. The neighbourhood team are working with the families.

·       There have been 15 Covid regulation breaches in Westbury, official numbers can be found on the police Facebook page regarding the sites involved, arrests and ticket numbers.

·       The police are in regular contact with White Horse Medical Centre and there have been concerns regarding an overspill of traffic, with Leigh Park Community Centre being used as an overflow carpark. The medical centre has been encouraged to discuss with the Wiltshire Council Highways team a contingency plan for overspill traffic.

·       A young female has been interviewed in relation to 10 activities of anti-social behaviour. Social services are now involved and there is a view to bring her into the justice system with policing moving to enforcement.

·       The police supported speed watch 5 times during January, further details can be requested over email.

·       The police are promoting a national counter-terrorism campaign, “Act Early”. This campaign aims to provide online advice as due to restrictions people are spending a lot more time online.

          6.b. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The Area Board received an update from Station Manager Richard Humphrey on behalf of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. The update covered the following matters:

·       Richard Humphrey paid respect to all those who were involved in the tragic accident that took place Friday 5 February, as well as to the emergency responders. This incident was included in the report as part of the agenda.

·       The fire and rescue service is maintaining an emergency response and work has been altered to reduce face to face contact, however this has been maintained for the highest risk groups.

·       Uniformed colleagues are supporting ambulance colleagues to crew ambulances with some also working as volunteer groups at vaccination hubs.

The following points were received in response to the update:

·       In the report it was noted that there were 8 false alarms in February, however it was clarified that there was no evidence to suggest that this was detrimental to the service needs.

·       In the Community Safety Plan there was mention of sharing buildings with the police to reduce costs, as well as possible closures and downgrading sites. It was clarified that this would not have an impact on Westbury fire station.

          6.c. Parish and Town Councils

The Area Board received an update from Kathy Hutt on behalf of Dilton Marsh Parish Council. The update covered the following matters:

·       Dilton Marsh Parish Council are continuing with basic general functions and are supporting people as and when needed.

·       The Board were updated on a dangerous building located in Petticoat Lane. The wall of this building has now been knocked down and the road is currently closed.

·       The Parish Council accepted 3 laptops from the Wiltshire Digital Drive, which can be used to support families.

·       There have been some planning applications in the local area, such as at Fairwood Lakes Holiday Park and Standhold Lane, people were encouraged to take a look at these.

          6.d.  CCG – The Area Board noted the updates attached to the agenda.

          6.e. Health Watch – The Area Board noted the update attached to the                  agenda.

          6.f. Chamber of Commerce – No verbal or written update was provided.

          6.g. BA13 Community Area Partnership

The Area Board received an update from Councillor Carole King on behalf of the BA13 Community Area Partnership. The Update covered the following matters:

·       As Chair of the BA13 Partnership, Councillor Carole King announced that after running since 2003, the organisation has decided to cease functioning. Reasons for this decision include that the group hasn’t been able to meet or hold an AGM in 2020, as well as their being other groups that have established to provide positive outputs for the community.

·       A full announcement will be published in the White Horse News and the organisation will look to publish information about how much grant money is left and can potentially be allocated.

          6.h. POPCAN (Penleigh Park Group)

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

·       Work has been done to build relationships online and the group has also been approached to work with Selwood Housing.

·       Sheila Kimmins has taken up the role of chair of POPCAN.

·       When the pandemic begins to ease, POPCAN is hoping for there to be drop-in sessions at the Community Centre, the first Tuesday of every month. POPCAN is also hoping to organise a “Get it off your chest” event, where people will be able to express any concerns that they might have.

·       Sam Shore, POPCAN vice-chair, is a qualified youth worker and has secured funding for detached youth work to take place.

·       There is a large stock of school uniforms left over from the “Pass it on” event, people are encouraged to get in touch regarding these.

·       The annual pop-up fun day will not be taking place this year.

·       POPCAN are considering getting a container to be placed on Penleigh park.

The Area Board noted that written updates had been received and are included in the agenda pack.