Issue - meetings

To receive any updates.

Updates from Wiltshire Police, NHS Wiltshire and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service had been received and circulated prior to the meeting.

Mike Franklin of Wiltshire Fire and Rescue made a few additional points:

• In response to concerns with ambulance response times, he announced that 36% of the Fire Service’s activity was spent on co-responding.
• There was a programme of education taking place with young people this autumn to raise awareness of road safety.
• Empty buildings and the associated build-up of rubbish was a serious fire hazard and could potentially attract arsonists. Any potential risk areas should be reported to the Fire Service as soon as possible.
• The Strategic Plan was now available and copies could be obtained either online at www.wiltshirefire.gov.uk or by contacting Linda Smith on 01380 723601 or Manor House, Potterne, Devizes, SN10 5PP.

Col Tabor gave a brief Military update and reminded people of the three casualties in Afghanistan in the last three weeks and asked that thought was given to them, their colleagues and families.

Jo Howes announced that a new NHS Out of Hours Single Provider had been identified for each area, and that in the Tidworth Community Area it would be the same provider as previously. However, people could now also see a Practitioner at Amesbury as well as Savernake if they chose to. The out of hours telephone number was 0300 111 5717 and leaflets were available.

A couple of issues from the floor were raised, including the state of the roads and the time taken to repair pot-holes. Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive and Cllr Jane Scott, Leader of the Council, both explained that the repairing of Wiltshire’s roads was a big priority for the Council and that an additional £1.65 million had been allocated for roads maintenance.

In response to concern from a member of the public, Cllr Jane Scott announced that the allocated budget for road maintenance would not be reduced and re-allocated to other service areas.