Issue - meetings

To receive any updates from partner organisations:

-       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Ricky Lee

-       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service – Station Manager Terry Crawford

-       Healthwatch Wiltshire

-       Parish Councils

-       MOD

Wiltshire Police – Inspector Ricky Lee

Inspector Lee wished to echo a lot of the positives and improvements from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s verbal update, adding that new shift patterns and a movement to “super hubs” for response policing would improving policing presence and efficiency.

Questions

It was made clear that crimes including ATM robberies and arson were being investigated and taken seriously. A larger road and foot patrol presence was needed to catch vehicles without full working headlights.

Town and Parish Councils

Everleigh PC’s written update was noted.

Ludgershall TC – A new flagpole had been established next to their war memorial with the addition of LED lights. An extension to the skateboard park was being finalised and new outside gym equipment being installed.

Tidworth Town Council – There was a focus on the civic centre which was nearing completion, and interviews with contractors were underway to fit the interior.

MOD – Lt Col Rupert Whitelegge.

Expressed disappointment at the Post Office sorting office closing, meaning 4,000 soldiers were struggling to receive their post from Andover.

Memorial Hall

Since the new committee took over 9 months ago bookings had risen and the public had noted improvement in and around the building. Their AGM was also coming up.

To receive any updates from partner organisations:

-       Wiltshire Police – Insp Ricky Lee

-       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service – Station Manager Simon Todd

-       Healthwatch

-       Parish Councils

-       MOD

Wiltshire Police – Inspector Ricky Lee

A slight increase in antisocial behaviour was observed during the summer, however overall crime has reduced. The number of PCSOs in the area remains at 50% of capacity, which reflects the national picture.

Communications with youth groups and schools had taken place and there had been work with a local campaign against violence against women and girls. Work with local farmers to tackle rural crime and traveller incursions has continued, and encouragement was given to attendees to be vigilant regarding access to their open spaces.

The local Speedwatch group was highlighted as very successful and well equipped, and their assistance was praised.

MOD – Lt Col Rupert Whitelegge.

Praised the work of the Fire Service for their help when a building locally known as “The Stables” set fire. It was stated that the building will be restored and returned to use.

The 25 units and 12,000 troops of Tidworth Garrison was designated as mostly deployed.

Town and Parish Councils

Ludgershall – New businesses had been opened meaning the high street have a complete set of shops. An upgrade to the skate park had been initiated including adding gym equipment. A new flagpole had been fitted to the local war memorial.

Tidworth – The written update was noted, which can be found in the agenda pack.

Everleigh – The written update was noted, which can be found in the agenda pack.

Chute – Hosted a successful local fair and flower and vegetable show. The local pavilion is in the process of being refurbished. Chute are also looking for football teams to play in the local area. Cllr Chris Williams (Chair) noted the loss of bus services in the area and stated that Wiltshire Council were aware of the situation and working on a solution.

Ludgershall Memorial Hall noted an improvement in the level of bookings and are happy with progress since the COVID Pandemic.