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. The Chairman introduced Area Board Delivery Officer, Louisa Young to the Area Board and provided an overview of her role.

Heather Perry from the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre provided the Area Board with a welcome to the venue and provided an overview of the History Centre and its archiving function.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Howard Greenman, Cllr Nick Botterill, Cllr Clare Cape and Cllr Adrian Andrews of Stanton St Quintin Parish Council.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2022 were presented for consideration and it was;

Resolved:

To approve and sign as a true and correct record of the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2022.

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

Cllr Adrian Foster declared that in relation to Item 8, he was member of Sheldon Road Methodist church and would therefore not take part in the vote.

Cllr Dr Nick Murry declared that in relation to Item 8, he was on the Chippenham Town Council Board for Waste Not Want Not and would therefore not take part in the vote.

To receive the following announcements through the Chairman:

·       Cost of Living Update

·       Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance (BSW Integrated Care Board) Update

·       Wiltshire Climate Strategy Delivery Plans

·       Community First Update

·       Wiltshire Council Grants for Electric Vehicle Chargers

·       King Charles III Coronation - Community Celebrations

·       Proposed Police Precept Increase for 2023-24

·       Wiltshire Families and Children’s Transformation (FACT) Partnership Family Help Project Background Briefing

·       Shared Lives and Future Area Board Items

·       Cabinet Discussion on the HIF

·       Abbeyfield School Expansion Plans

The Chairman made the following announcements, which were contained in the agenda pack.

·       Cost of Living Update

The Chairman drew attention to a briefing note attached to the agenda pack from the Engagement and Partnerships Team from Wiltshire Council, which outlined the role of Area Boards and examples of how they can support the cost of living in Wiltshire. In addition, attention was drawn to a further Cost of Living update included within the agenda pack, which detailed how Wiltshire Council is focusing on three principal areas to meet the Cost-of-Living crisis. Namelysupport for Businesses, Staff and the People in Wiltshire communities. Under each of the three principal areas within the update, guidance and information was provided as well as useful contact details.

·       Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance (BSW Integrated Care Board) Update

The Chairman noted that within the agenda pack was an update from the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance (BSW Integrated Care Board). The updated provided an overview of the role of the VCSE leadership alliance as well as noting the progress which had been made so far within the voluntary sector over the past 18 months.

·       Wiltshire Council Climate Strategy Delivery Plans

The Chairman noted that attached to the agenda pack was a briefing note, which set out details of the new delivery plans to support the Council’s adopted Climate Strategy. It was noted that Two climate strategy delivery plans have been developed using evidence from the Pathways studies as well as input from officers across the council and councillors, in particular Cabinet and the Climate Emergency Task Group. Both plans would cover the period 2022-24. In addition, next steps were outlined in the briefing note as well as how the plans will provide a valuable framework towards the Council’s seven delivery themes of climate strategy.

·       Update from Community First

The Chairman drew reference to an update included within the agenda pack from Community First. The update covered their recent AGM and Awards celebration, which took place on 12 October 2022 as well as a volunteer recruitment campaign and current vacancies that they were looking to recruit to. The following Enquiry Form allows those interested to get in touch with Community First for more information.

·       Wiltshire Council Grants for Electric Vehicle Chargers

The Chairman drew attention to the agenda pack which included a briefing note that acted as a follow up to the well-attended EV Charging Infrastructure for Town & Parish Councils Webinar that took place on 14 of September 2022. Included within the briefing note was links and materials which would allow interested parties to progress their intentions to have EV Chargers in their communities.

·       King Charles III Coronation – Community Celebrations

The Chairman drew attention to the agenda pack which included a briefing note which aimed to ensure that communities wishing to celebrate the King’s Coronation were signposted to the council’s web page where they would find the appropriate tools, support, and guidance to apply to hold a community party. Further  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To receive updates from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       Town and Parish Councils

·       Other Community Groups

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received an update from Inspector Peter Foster, which covered the following points:

·       Inspector Foster provided an overview of the recent team changes as well as the responsibilities that he had been given since starting in his position two weeks ago.

·       An arson had recently taken place on London Road for the second time in under a month, with an investigation now taking place with the CID department. Though currently there had been no arrests, it was stated that this was not a risk to the wider public.

·       The Neighbourhood Policing Team had recently conducted some work which had recently led to two local males being given significant sentences for conspiracy to supply drugs.

·       Work has been conducted to reduce anti-social behaviour, including partial closing orders, work with homeless teams and a drugs warrant in Westcroft.

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

·       The Area Board placed on record their thanks to Sergeant James Brain and questioned how they could promote the recruitment of Specials to the Police force.

·       It was raised that in Easton Lane a road closure had been put in place to allow for pedestrian and cycle use, however this has persistently been used illegally by motorbikes and therefore visible policing would be appreciated.

·       Feedback was provided in relation to a recent talk provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, where he stated there was an aim to “get back to basics” in rural areas with working together.

·       It was stated that recently a rural community had worked together to help find a rough sleeper who had almost fallen into the river.

·       Inspector Foster stated that it is harder for the police when they don’t have intelligence and that he is keen to work the PCC to ensure rural communities don’t feel left out.

·       The issue of speeding was raised, with incidents having taken place on the A350 and the A420, Bristol Road.

·       In regard to priorities, it was suggested that the police consider safety at night in Monkton Park, knife crime and anti-social behaviour in the Saddlers Mead carpark. Inspector Foster noted that 11 calls had been logged regarding Saddlers Mead since October and that this was a difficult area to resource and catch people.

·       The Chairman stated that people could keep up to date with the work of the Police through their Facebook and Twitter pages.

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The Area Board received an update from Group Manager Jim Weston, which covered the following points:

·       Jim Weston provided an overview of his team, that covers the Wiltshire Area and included five Station Managers.

·       It was stated that a report provided by the Fire Service would be attached to the minutes and would include a range of links and information to address any safety concerns as well as issues such as flooding.

·       Community Safety work has been ongoing, including prevention work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive a presentation from Steve Wilson (Major Highways Project Engineer, Wiltshire Council) in regard to the A350 Chippenham Bypass Phase 4-5 dualling scheme.

Please see the link below to a Wiltshire Council news item which has been released:

Council seeks feedback on the final phases of dualling the A350 at Chippenham - Wiltshire Council

The Area Board received a presentation from Steve Wilson (Major Highways Project Engineer, Wiltshire Council), regarding the A350 Bypass Works. The presentation covered the following points:

·       It was outlined that the scheme is currently at a stage of public engagement for Phases 4 and 5. This had involved a webinar with a Q+A, a static display in Chippenham Library with a questionnaire and a dedicated page including an information booklet: A350 highway improvements, Chippenham - Wiltshire Council

·       The history of the A350 was outlined, with it noted that since a public inquiry in the 1990s there had been planning consent for a dual carriageway, with 3 phases already completed.

·       Phases 4 and 5 of the scheme were outlined as follows:

o   Bumpers Farm Roundabout Improvements

o   Phase 4 Dualling (Chequers to Lackham)

o   Phase 5 Dualling (Bumpers Farm to Cepen Park South)

o   Lackham Roundabout Capacity Enhancements

·       The benefits of the scheme were outlined to the Area Board, which could be characterised as local benefits that would translate into wider regional benefits.

·       Before and After images were provided to demonstrate the work completed as part of previous dualling schemes.

·       The speed limits for the proposed dualled sections were outlined, with it noted that though most of the bypass would be subject to the national speed limit, some sections would be reduced to 40/50mph where appropriate. It was also noted that there would be a formal consultation regarding traffic regulation orders.

·       The improvements to the Bumpers Farm Roundabout were detailed, including traffic signals and additional lanes. The impact on traffic at the roundabout was also discussed and illustrated with proposed numeric changes to queuing.

·       Facilities for pedestrians and cyclists along the A350 were outlined, including Bumpers Farm Roundabout, Chippenham Rugby Club, Drake Crescent and Saltersford Lane.

·       The environmental impact of the scheme was discussed, with it noted that Atkins would produce an environmental impact assessment, which would then be used to identify potential mitigation measures.

·       The next steps of the consultation and scheme were outlined, with it requested that the questionnaire on the website be completed by 3 February 2023.

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

·       Positive feedback was provided regarding the use of footpaths, cycle routes and thought regarding the traffic problems around Bumpers Farm.

·       It was suggested that the scheme would be a positive opportunity for Chippenham Rugby Club to have a graded access and egress onto the A350. The Highways Officer stated that such an access would be subject to a planning application proposed by the Rugby Club followed by Officer’s recommendations to balance the impacts of the proposal. The Highways officer noted that it would make sense to coordinate the delivery of the A350 dualling scheme with a potential planning application, with the example of the Southpoint Roundabout cited.

·       The issue of drainage was raised, with it noted that the existing carriageway on the eastern side would not be touched and that there would be no changes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider the following applications for funding:

Community Area Grants:

·       St Peter's Church Chippenham - £650 towards KitchenEquipment - St Peters Community Lunch Project.

·       Yatton Keynell Recreation Association - £5,000 towards Zipwire upgrade.

Older and Vulnerable Adults Funding:

·       Waste Not Want Not - £750 towards 2023 Publicity andAdvertising Campaign of WNWNs services.

·       Doorway Wiltshire - £5,000 towards Support Worker toenable Doorway to expand its service.

Youth Grants:

·       The Open Blue Trust - £3,169 towards Welly Place YouthCommunity Integration and Transition.

·       Sheldon Road Methodist Church - £1,970 towards Autumnand Summer Youth Programme

The Area Board considered the following applications for funding:

Community Area Grants:

·       St Peter's Church Chippenham - £650 towards Kitchen Equipment - St Peters Community Lunch Project.

Resolved:

St Peter's Church was awarded £650 towards Kitchen Equipment - St Peters Community Lunch Project.

·       Yatton Keynell Recreation Association - £5,000 towards Zip
wire upgrade.

Resolved:

Yatton Keynell Recreation Association was awarded £5,000 towards Zip

wire upgrade.

Older and Vulnerable Adults Funding:

·       Waste Not Want Not - £750 towards 2023 Publicity and Advertising Campaign of WNWNs services.

Resolved:

Waste Not Want Not was awarded £750 towards 2023 Publicity and Advertising Campaign of WNWNs services.

·       Doorway Wiltshire - £5,000 towards Support Worker to enable Doorway to expand its service

Resolved:

Doorway Wiltshire was awarded £5,000 towards Support Worker to enable Doorway to expand its service. The Area Board agreed to split the funding between £2,500 youth funding and £2,500 older and vulnerable adults funding. In addition, that the application would be added to the Local Youth Network agenda.

Youth Grants:

·       The Open Blue Trust - £3,169 towards Welly Place Youth Community Integration and Transition.

Resolved:

The Open Blue Trust was awarded £3,169 towards Welly Place Youth Community Integration and Transition.

·       Sheldon Road Methodist Church - £1,970 towards Autumn and Summer Youth Programme.

Resolved:

Sheldon Road Methodist Church was awarded £1,970 towards Autumn and Summer Youth Programme.

To receive overview and feedback from Ros Griffiths (Strategic Engagement Partnerships Manager) on the Chippenham Community Conference, which took place on 6 and 7 October 2022.

The Chairman proposed that this item be heard at the next meeting, which was seconded by Cllr Peter Hutton and then voted on in support by Members.

To receive updates from Lead Councillors for the local Area Board priorities.

·       Youth engagement and supporting positive mental health and wellbeing in young people (Cllrs Ross Henning, Peter Hutton, Kathryn Macdermid and Adrian Foster)

·       Addressing climate change (Cllr Nick Murry)

·       Supporting the local economy and cost of living crisis (Cllrs Nick Murry and Howard Greenman)

·       Reducing anti-social behaviour (Cllrs Liz Alstrom and Clare Cape)

·       Promoting wellbeing and reducing social isolation in older and vulnerable people (Cllrs Clare Cape and Adrian Foster)

The Chairman proposed that this item be heard at the next meeting, which was seconded by Cllr Peter Hutton and then voted on in support by Members.

The Area Board will be asked to consider the recommendationsfrom the 4 October 2022 Chippenham Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) meeting outlined in the report.

The minutes and recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 4 October 2022 were introduced. After which, it was;

Resolved:

The minutes of theLocal Highways and Footway Improvement Group meeting held on 4 October 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

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

It was suggested that a representative from Wiltshire Council attend a future Area Board to discuss rough sleepers.

The next meeting of the Chippenham Area Board will be held on 13 March 2023.

The date of the next meeting is 13 March 2023.