Agenda and minutes

The Chairman will welcome those present to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Chippenham and Villages Area Board.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Howard Greenman and Councillor Adrian Foster. Additionally apologies were received from Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon as well as Inspector James Brain (Wiltshire Police), who had arranged for Sergeant Richard Marshall to attend the meeting in his absence.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2021 were presented for consideration. The Chairman raised the following points that arose from the previous minutes:

• Regarding Future Chippenham, the Chairman noted that workshops had taken place in the past two weeks.

• Regarding the Chippenham Place Partnership, it was updated that this group is still being formulated and a meeting is yet to take place.

Resolved

To approve the minutes as a correct record.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

Councillor Ross Henning declared that he is a trustee of the Community Hub.

To receive the following announcements through the Chair:

·       Changes to Wiltshire’s Taxi Tariffs

·       Update on Leisure Centres Transferring to Wiltshire Council

·       Youth Council Updates

·       Community Governance Review

The chairman gave the following updates:

·       Changes to Wiltshire’s Taxi Tariffs

The Chairman drew attention to a briefing note attached to the agenda which provided an update regarding the proposed changes to the Taxi Tariff Schedule for Hackney Carriages in Wiltshire. The note included information that was shared with the Licensing Committee at its meeting on 13 September 2021. Approval had already been provided for the proposals to be implemented, which will take place on 4 January 2022 subject to the proposals being advertised and undergoing standard consultation processes.

It was also raised by Area Board Members that it would be positive for there to be a move towards the use of electric taxis in the future.

·       Update on Leisure Centres Transferring to Wiltshire Council

The Chairman drew attention to the leisure insourcing project, which would see 10 leisure centres currently managed by Places Leisure move over to Wiltshire Council. This transfer would include The Olympiad, Chippenham and further information, and a frequently asked questions section can be found on a webpage via the included link in the report.

Councillor Doctor Nick Murry added that he had spoken to the Cabinet as well as Chippenham Town Council in regard to receiving additional CIL funding in order to return The Olympiad to its previous state.

·       Wiltshire Youth Council Update

The Chairman referred to the report attached to the agenda which provided an update on the Wiltshire Youth Council. The Wiltshire Youth Council will start next year, with representatives from secondary schools across the county elected to speak out on issues that are important to them. Schools have been invited to encourage 11–17-year-olds to put themselves up for election, with elections due to take place between 31 January 2022 and 4 February 2022. Further information on the Wiltshire Youth Council, can be found in the agenda pack.

Following the announcement there was time for the following points to be raised:

·       It was confirmed that all of the schools in Chippenham have submitted candidates for the Wiltshire Youth Council.

·       It was raised that though the Wiltshire Youth Council plan to allow elected young people to spend time with elected Members of Wiltshire Council; it could be positive and educational for them to also spend time with the leader of the opposition as well as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee.

·       It was suggested that Area Board Members approach schools and ask whether they would be prepared for Members to visit and give talks.

·       Community Governance Review

The Chairman drew attention to the briefing note attached to the agenda which related to a survey being undertaken for a community governance review, including an ongoing survey on a proposed change to the name of Biddestone Parish Council. The surveys, along with other information, would enable the Electoral Review Committee to consider if any changes should be made to parish governance arrangements in these areas.

• Bike Theft Crime

The Chairman updated that The Chippenham and Villages Area Board are working with Wiltshire Police to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To note the written updates provided and answer any questions arising from the floor:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       Parish and Town Councils

·       BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

·       Older People / Carers Champion

·       Other Community Groups

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received a verbal update from Sergeant Richard Marshall. An overview was provided of the performance over the last 12 months to September 2021, which included the following points:

An overview of the local priorities for Chippenham was provided, which included the following areas:

• Current issues surrounding the town centre of Chippenham and bike thefts – It was updated that during the past two months, the Police have seen a year high of bike thefts. These thefts have been committed by one group of people, who have now been identified, with the potential that three members of the group will be charged with 30-40 charges including for theft, bike theft, anti-social behaviour and possession of weapons. Op Sleigh is set to take place over the Christmas period, with the hope that there will be a decrease in crime.
• Increase in anti-social behaviour and crimes by a large group of youths in Chippenham town centre – It was noted that this problem is also being caused by the same group of individuals, with acts of abuse towards shop staff and members of the public as well as criminal damage having taken place. The Police are using their power to issue community protection notices, with ringleaders targeted.
• Shop Theft – Also linked to the same group of individuals, normal Christmas increases of shop thefts have taken place, however these have been exasperated by the linked group. The Police are looking to bring the charges together in order to apply serious conditions.
• County Lines and local line drug dealers – The Police recently secured numerous charges on people within local lines dealing high amounts of Class A drugs. The Police have so far secured charges for 4 cases of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Convictions will range from 2 to 6 years, with the hope that this will have a huge impact on the amount of drugs sourced from within Chippenham.

Following the verbal update there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

·       It was queried whether the CCTV would be able to be placed in specific locations to address concerns. Such requested locations were prominent locations within the town centre, the A350 to act as a visible deterrent for speeding as well as in Pewsham.

·       It was questioned how much of a difference the new HD CCTV is providing to the Police. To which it was clarified that the difference has been positive, with the improved quality allowing for distinguishing features on both property and individuals to now be identified.

·       It was suggested that Sergeant Marshall and Councillor Doctor Nick Murry meet, in order to discuss where new cameras would be best placed for the Cycle Network Group.

·       Clarity was sought regarding the group causing anti-social behaviour issues and bike thefts. It was stated that this group are local (Chippenham, Calne and Bath) although they travel to be together in Chippenham.

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To receive a presentation from the Warm and Safe Wiltshire Service.

The Area Board received a presentation from Lorna Wilcox, Warm and Safe Wiltshire Project Officer. The presentation covered the following:

• Warm and Safe Wiltshire offer free and impartial energy saving advice to householders. Having started in 1979, the aim of the charity is to improve the energy efficiency of homes across Wiltshire as well as providing free and impartial advice to all residents.
• Warm and Safe Wiltshire runs in Partnership with Wiltshire and Swindon Councils, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service as well as the public health sector including hospitals in the county.
• Lorna explained the energy efficiency of homes and how different parts of the home allow for more or less heat to leave properties. Therefore meaning that different properties need different treatments, for example insulation and damp proofing, heating, prevention of damp and mould.
• The charity also offers guidance on bills and debt, specifically how to understand bills and potentially switching tariffs and providers. Support is also provided to identify applicable supplier services and discounts.
• As part of the partnership work conducted by Warm and Safe, people can be referred to the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service for Safe and Well visits.
• For further information can be found on the Warm and Safe website:Warm and Safe Wiltshire

Following the presentation there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

• It was questioned whether Warm and Safe have a FAQ guide of what to look out for with scammers. It was clarified that though there isn’t a guide, Warm and Safe suggests that people don’t engage with people knocking on doors and that they are always available as a way of identifying genuine schemes and for guidance on how to apply for them.
• It was clarified that as an impartial charity, Warm and Safe do not partake in community energy buying schemes.
• It was suggested that Warm and Safe contact the Community Hub in order to further promote their service.

To receive an update regarding the Community Hub.

The Area Board received a presentation from Sandie Webb from  the Community Hub. The update covered the following:

• The Community Hub came about following the recognition that though Chippenham had community spirit, there was no central hub for community support, advice or signposting.
• Following discussions with the owner of Borough Parade shopping centre, the Community Hub was given a shop with a 2-year rent free lease, including waived service charges. The Area Board and Town Council provided an initial grant, with the lease signed in April 2021. Collecteco also donated 61 items of furniture towards the Community Hub.
• An explanation of what the Community Hub does was provided, including contributing towards making Chippenham a compassionate community, signposting with a variety of professional organisations to offer support, providing training courses for all ages and abilities.
• The Community Hub works with a large variety of organisations in the local area with multiple purposes.
•  The Town Centre Development Team was established as the Community Hub wanted to be more recognised and heard. The aim is to ensure that community voice is heard whenever town centre development takes place. Examples of work have included community surveys.
• The Town Environment Team was established to tackle community environment issues, such as knotweed in Monkton Park and along the river. Work is completed in conjunction with the Wiltshire Wildlife trust, Wiltshire and Town Councils.
• Sandie stated that volunteers are always welcome at the Community Hub.

Following the presentation there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

·       Area Board Members sounded their appreciated for the work that the Community Hub has contributed to Chippenham as well as fostering the development of a community feel to Chippenham.

To consider the report and recommendations arising from the last meeting of the Community Area Transport Group held on 17 November 2021.

To note that Parish Council contribution has changed from 25% to 30%.

The Chairman introduced the minutes and recommendations from the CATG meeting held on 17 November 2021.

Resolved

The minutes and recommendations of the Community Area Transport Group meeting held on 17 November 2021 were agreed as a correct record.

The Area Board ratified the decision of the Community Area Transport Group that Parish Council and Town Council contribution had changed from 25% to 30% although permitting  provision for a higher contribution if agreed by the Parish and Town Council concerned.

Clarity was provided that the change regarding Parish and Town Council contribution would come into place from April 2022.

To determine the following grant applications:

Community Area Grants:

To consider the following applications for Community Area Grant funding:

·       Friends of St Peters FOSPA - £597.50 towards St Peters CofE Academy Community Defibrillator.

·       Wilts and Berks Canal Trust - £4,892 towards Stabilisation of canal towpath and bank.

·       St Marys Chippenham PTA - £920 towards St Marys EYFS Unit creative play.

·       Councillor Led Initiative - £3,956.40 towards Kids High Viz Vest, Litter Picker and Gloves

Youth Grant Applications:

To consider the following applications for Youth Grant funding:

·       CPM Sounds CIC - £4,830 towards Riverbank Studios ongoing development and post-covid delivery of youth work.

·       Mindreset - £1,500 towards Mental Health Awareness Workshops.

·       Chippenham Sports Partnership - £425 towards primary and secondary schools dance festival.

·       The Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team CIC - £2,475 towards Chippenham River Festival 2022 high ropes event.

Health and Wellbeing Grant Applications:

To consider the following applications for Health and Wellbeing Grant funding:

• Chippenham Day Centre - £500 towards Chippenham Day Centre further Health and Wellbeing.

·       Hathaway Medical Centre - £4,000 towards Chippenham Leg Clinic social prescribing model.

The Area Board considered the followingas detailed in the reports attached to the agenda.

Community Area Grants

1)    Friends of St Peters FOSPA - £597.50 towards St Peters CofE Academy Community Defibrillator.

Resolved

Friends of St Peters FOSPA was awarded £597.50 towards St Peters CofE Academy Community Defibrillator.

2)    Wilts and Berks Canal Trust - £4,892 towards Stabilisation of canal towpath and bank.

Resolved

Wilts and Berks Canal Trust was awarded £4,892 towards Stabilisation of

canal towpath and bank.

3)    St Marys Chippenham PTA - £920 towards St Marys EYFS Unit creative play.

Resolved

St Marys Chippenham PTA was awarded £920 towards St Marys EYFS Unit creative play.

4)    Councillor Led Initiative - £3,956.40 towards Kids High Viz Vest, Litter Picker and Gloves

Resolved

Councillor Led Initiative was awarded towards £3,956.40 Kids High Viz Vests, Litter Pickers and Gloves.

Youth Grant Applications

1)    CPM Sounds CIC - £4,830 towards Riverbank Studios ongoing development and post-covid delivery of youth work.

Resolved

CPM Sounds CIC was awarded £4,500 towards Riverbank Studios ongoing development and post-covid delivery of youth work.

2)    Mindreset - £1,500 towards Mental Health Awareness Workshops.

Resolved

Mindreset was awarded £1,500 towards Mental Health Awareness Workshops.

3)    Chippenham Sports Partnership - £425 towards primary and secondary schools dance festival.

Resolved

Chippenham Sports Partnership was awarded £425 towards primary and secondary schools dance festival.

4)    The Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team CIC - £2,475 towards Chippenham River Festival 2022 high ropes event.

Resolved

The Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team CIC was awarded £2,100.25 towards Chippenham River Festival 2022 high ropes event.

Health and Wellbeing Grants:

1)     Chippenham Day Centre - £500 towards Chippenham Day Centre further Health and Wellbeing.

Resolved

Chippenham Day Centre was awarded £500 towards Chippenham Day Centre further Health and Wellbeing.

2)    Hathaway Medical Centre - £4,000 towards Chippenham Leg Clinic social prescribing model.

Resolved

Hathaway Medical Centre was awarded £3,000 towards Chippenham Leg Clinic social prescribing model.

The Area Board also added a caveat that any balance left over at the end of the financial year would be used to top up funding for the Hathaway Medical Centre to the originally applied for amount of £4,000.

To discuss the potential ring fencing of £10,000 from this year’s budget to go towards a Climate/Environment and Ecological project.

The Area Board discussed the potential ring fencing of £10,000 from this year’s budget to go towards a Climate/Environment and Ecological project. The discussion included the following key points:

• Councillor Doctor Nick Murry stated that following the previous AreaBoard, where a Climate and Ecological Emergency Forum was established, Community Engagement Manager, Ollie Phipps suggested that the Area Board ringfence funding for Climate, Environment and Ecological projects.
• Councillor Peter Hutton noted that it would be positive for this funding, if agreed, to also encompass community allied projects, such as those involving sport, that would aim to get residents outside.

Resolved

The Area Board agreed to ring fence £10,000 from this year’s budget to go towards a Climate/Environment and Ecological projects, including projects with community co-benefits.

Any other items of business which the Chairman agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items.

The next meeting of the Chippenham and Villages Area Board will be held on 14 March 2022.

The date of the next meeting is 14 March 2022 at 7.00pm.