Issue - meetings

The Chairman referred members to the written updates included in the agenda pack.

Update from the Police

Sector Commander Christian Lange gave a general overview of policing in the Amesbury area.  He noted that there appeared to be an increase in violent crimes and vehicle thefts within the area and that the police were closely monitoring the situation.  With almost £17m lost in the current policing budget and the reduction in the number officers from 1200 to 1000, Sector Commander Lange advised that there was going to be a significant change in neighbourhood policing. A new model of neighbourhood policing, currently being trailed in Trowbridge, would be rolled out in Amesbury from about June 2016. Given all the above, the reduction in the size and numbers of neighbourhood teams and partner agencies working with the police to protect vulnerable people in the area was also a major source of concern.

Cllr John Noeken raised questions about the preparedness of the police in handling the extra 7000 soldiers being deployed into the area as part of the government’s army rebasing project and proceeded to thank the police for their work with school traffic. 

Amesbury Fire Service

Cllr Ian West commented on a recent fire incident at Shrewton and the timely response of fire brigades and response teams deployed to the scene. Councillor Noeken noted that with the anticipated increase in population and households especially in light of the army rebasing project, it was important to question whether the Amesbury fire brigade was well resourced to deliver the service expected by the public. Members felt it would be helpful for the Area Board and parish councils to engage with the Amesbury Fire Brigade to explore what assistance could be offered.

Town and Parish Councils

There were no updates from the town and parish councils.