Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from:

·       Cllr Dr Nick Murry; and

·       Cllr Howard Greenman

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2024.

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2024 were agreed a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

The following declarations of interest were received:

1.    Cllr Adrian Foster declared an interest in agenda item 10 as his wife was a trustee of Borough Lands. Cllr Foster spoke generally about the work of Borough Lands.

2.    Cllr Ross Henning declared an interest in agenda item 13 – Area Board Funding and the grant application from Chippenham Community Eco Hub as he is a Trustee of the Hub. Cllr Henning spoke on the Eco Hub in Calne and its promotion through the Health and Wellbeing Group, but did not speak or vote on this application.

To receive The Chairman will give an update on outcomes and actions arising from previous meetings of the Area Board.

·       Local Elections – May 2025

·       Chippenham A350 Update

The Chairman provided an update on the following matters:

•                Local Elections – May 2025 – The Chairman referred to the information about the upcoming Local Elections and on behalf of the Area Board acknowledged that Cllr Peter Hutton was not standing for re-election. The Chairman thanked Cllr Hutton for his outstanding work over the years, noted that he would be missed by councillors and residents alike and wished him well for the future. Cllr Hutton thanked officers and councillor colleagues for their help and support over the years and explained that he was elected to Wiltshire Council in 2009 and had seen the Area Board develop and evolve over the years. He noted that much work goes under the radar in Chippenham.

•                The Chairman was sad to announce the recent passing of former councillor, Bill Douglas, who would be missed greatly.

•                Chippenham A350 Update – the update attached to the agenda pack was noted. Cllr Nic Puntis explained that the business case for the bypass was put forward for approval in May 24, the then Government called a general election at that time and the decision on the works were subsequently delayed. The full business case was then approved in February 2025, with works expected to start in May 2025 taking about 18 months to complete. Cllr Puntis encouraged everyone to respond to the public consultation and request a 50mph speed limit for the road. The Area Board noted that there was a call for an access and egress from the A350 to the rugby club building and pitches and it was assumed that a planning application had been submitted for the works.  

The Board is asked to note the following Information items:

• Community First
• Family and Community Learning Impact Report 2023-24
• Highways dashboard of completed defects from April 2024 to Jan 2025 and potholes reported and repaired Dec 2024 and Jan 2025
• Cost of Living Update – January 2025
• Devolution Update

The Area Board noted the following information items:

·       Community First – The report attached to the agenda pack was noted.

·       Family and Community Learning Impact Report 2023-24 – The report attached to the agenda pack was noted.

·       Highways dashboard of completed defects from April 2024 to Jan 2025 and potholes reported and repaired Dec 2024 and Jan 2025 - The report attached to the agenda pack was noted.

·       Cost of Living Update – January 2025 - The report attached to the agenda pack was noted.

·       Devolution Update – The report attached to the agenda pack was noted.

A short film will be shown to highlight Area Board achievements 2021-2025 including engagements, events, partnership working and investment into community projects.

The Area Board received a film presentation on the work undertaken and achievements made by the Area Board over the previous 4 years. This included engagements, events, partnership working and investment into community projects.

The Chair and Area Board members expressed their thanks to officers and each other for the help and support throughout this time and assistance in developing community projects.

To receive an update from Ruth Hill, Knapsack Productions promoting the UKSPF funded Queen’s East community project.

The Chairman welcomed Ruth Hill from Knapsack Productions who spoke about the Queen’s East community project and an exhibition highlighting the work of the project.

Ruth explained that the project is a good new story about raising the profile of the Queens East area of Chippenham. A couple of residents attended the Area Board meeting and commented on their positive experiences of living in Queens East. Both highlighted the work of Louisa Young, Community Conversations Lead in establishing the residents committee and the projects they had undertaken. The Area Board noted that the exhibition would be displayed at the Community Hub, the Pheasent Pub and then back to the History Centre.  

The Area Board thanked all involved in the project including Ruth and Louisa for their outstanding work in setting up and overseeing the project. They noted that there would be a number of other pilot projects developed across the county with the aim of combating social isolation.

Written Updates

The Board is asked to note any written and online updates attached

to the agenda from the following:

•       Neighbourhood Policing Team – to follow

•       Road Safety Update

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

•       Parish Forum Notes – copy attached for the meeting held on 27 November 2024 (Inc. Parish and Town Councils updates)

•       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service – Quarterly update – Link to YouTube video update 

•       Other Community Groups

The Area Board received a number of updates from Partners and community organisations as detailed below:

1. Neighbourhood Policing Team

The Area Board received a written update and presentation from Insp Pete Foster, Wiltshire Police, which included detail about the Community Policing Team, the Police community commitment, community engagements, closure orders, year review, Chippenham town and rural areas crime and incident statistics, operational priorities and how to get involved. The Area Board also received a written road safety update. 

Members commented on:

·       Improvements to Police accessibility and engagement key to transforming local policing 

·       Speeding along the A350 and need for Police messaging about not speeding.

·       Appreciation of an increase in Police visibility

·       The need for increased speed checks

·       An issue with anti-social behaviour in the Town Centre

·       Parking on double yellow lines and enforcement action

·       Implementation of 20mph zones

·       Requests for speed enforcement and Speed Indicator Devices

·       Poaching in Slaughterford – excellent Police response

·       Public space protection orders

The Chairman thanked Insp Pete Foster for attending the Area Board meeting, responding to questions and to continue the great work in Chippenham.

2. Parish Forum Notes

The Area Board received the notes of the Parish Forum meeting held on 27 November 2024.

3. Town and Parish Council Updates –

There were no verbal updates.

4. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The Chairman encouraged everyone to view the latest update provided at this YouTube link - Service Update December 2024 - YouTube. The Area Board noted a possible change in shift patterns to assist with Fire Service budgets.

5. Other Community Groups

·       Alison Butler – Carers Champion/Rural Representative commented Wessex Water community outreach sessions, leaks, poor water quality and sewage outbreaks.

To receive an update from Mark Crussell, Environment Agency, about the Chippenham Avon Project.

The Chairman welcomed Mark Crussell, Environment Agency, who provided an update on the proposals for the Chippenham Avon Project. 

Mark commented on the November 2024 flooding event in Chippenham. He explained that the radial gate worked well during the event but did not close following the flooding event. The Flood Minister visited Chippenham to witness the flooding aftermath. 

The Area Board noted that the outline design had now been completed, and the Agency were moving on to the detailed design, this would be followed by a public consultation and a planning application in late summer. The presentation detailed plans for footpaths and cycle paths, the downstream cascade, lower walkway, Monkton Park gateway, a wetland area, the programme and funding for the project.

The Area Board had an opportunity to comment on the proposals and raised the following points: 

·       Concerns about the impact of available funding to complete the Chippenham Avon project following the general election in 2024 and subsequent spending review, placing the project on temporary hold.

·       Location of the gates in the new project and the protection offered to shops where flooding has occurred previously.

·       Mitigation measures for shop owners impacted by flooding events.

·       Potential for damage to Monkton Meadows and affect on wildlife.

·       Investment required for active travel infrastructure.

The Chairman thanked Mark for attending the Area Board meeting and providing further information about the Project proposals. It was suggested that the Area Board continue to receive regular updates on the Projects progress and that a representative attend future Area Board meetings to provide an in-person update.

Resolved:

That the Environment Agency continue to provide updates on project progress and that a representative of the Agency attends future Area Board meetings to provide the requested updates.

To receive a presentation from Beth Gardner, CEO of Chippenham Borough Lands Charity introducing the work of the charity and providing an update on the charity’s strategic priorities.

The Area Board received a presentation from Beth Gardner, CEO of Chippenham Borough Lands Charity.

Beth introduced the work of Borough Lands and provided an Update on the charity’s strategic priorities. In particular she commented on improving the welfare and wellbeing of the local community through grants, guidance and great places.

The Area Board noted the tremendous work undertaken by Borough Lands in Chippenham and thanked Beth for raising their profile since becoming the CEO. It was suggested that a regular meeting should take place with the Area Board, Borough Lands and Wiltshire Council to further the aims of the charity in the community, including closer ties with foodbanks.

The Chairman thanked Beth for her presentation and work in the community.    

(Note: Cllr Adrian Foster declared an interest in this item as his wife was a trustees of Borough Lands).

To receive a presentation from Zoe Steadman-Milne and Nick Self, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust about the latest on Vincients wood and the wildlife and ecology event being held at Monkton Park in May 2025.

The Chairman welcomed Zoe Steadman-Milne and Nick Self from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust who provided an update on Vincients Wood and the Wildlife and Ecology event being held at Monkton Park in May 2025.

Nick commented on the recent work undertaken at Vincients Wood which included dealing with Ash Dieback disease, tree planting to replace ash tree removal, path reinstatement restoration works and habitat improvements. As part of the ongoing maintenance and protection measures, the Trust would be checking the safety of pathways and removing materials such as glass.  

The Area Board noted that the ‘Country Comes to Town 2025’ annual event is being held at Monkton Park, Chippenham on 17 May 2025, where residents are able to engage with the work of the Trust and discover how to create a sustainable future for wildlife and people.  

The Chairman thanked the Trust representatives for their very informative presentation.

To receive a presentation from Alison Levy about the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Resolved: To defer consideration of this item until the next meeting of the Area Board on 2 June 2025.

To note the remaining budgets and to consider any applications for funding, as detailed in the attached report and summarised below:

Remaining Budgets if all grants are agreed:

Area Board Initiatives:

Community Area Grants:

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

Young People Grants:

Delegated Funding

The Board is asked to note any funding awards made under the Delegated Funding Process, by the Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager, between meetings due to matters of urgency:

• Stay Safe Initiative – Digital Empowerment Programme - £1000

Further information on the Area Board Grant system can be found here.

The Area Board considered a number of applications for Community Area Grants, Older and Vulnerable Grants, Young People Grants and heard from the applicants, and noted delegated funding.

Resolved:

1. Community Area Grants:

·       Chippenham Folk Festival Community Interest Company – to award £1,841 towards equipment to support the Folk Festival Sustainability Plan, box office, tent, banners and equipment. 

·       Zero North Wiltshire – to defer the grant application for further clarity about the project and advice from the Council’s Climate Team.

·       Christian Malford Village Hall – to award £847.50 towards a hearing loop system at the Village Hall.

2. Older & Vulnerable Grants

·       Chippenham Community Eco Hub – to award £650 towards the Chippenham, Health and Wellbeing Spring Event.

(Note – Cllr Ross Henning declared an interest in this application as he is a trustee of the Hub. Cllr Henning spoke generally about similar events in other neighbouring towns, but did not speak on this application or vote). 

3. Young People Grants

·       Art Bytes managed by Dot Art Services – to award £1,062 towards Art Bytes championing creativity in Chippenham.

·       Chippenham Sports Partnership – to award £1,811 towards the Chippenham and Para Games.

·       10^th Chippenham Scout Group – to award £5,000 towards a temporary venue hire and storage costs.

(Note – the Area Board suggested that the Scout Group consider preparing plans for a more permanent venue/building).

·       Doorway Wiltshire – to award £1,000 towards a Doorway pilot youth project.

4.    Delegated Funding

·       The Area Board noted the award of £1,000 to the Stay Safe Initiative and its Digital Empowerment Programme under the delegated funding process by the Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager, as a matter of urgency between Area Board meetings.

To receive an update from the Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager and consider further the following priorities for 2024/25:

•       Youth engagement and positive activity opportunities (Cllrs Macdermid, Alstrom, Foster, Hutton and Henning)

•       Addressing climate change and nature recovery (Cllrs Murry and Macdermid)

•       Promoting wellbeing and reducing social isolation in older and vulnerable adults (Cllr Cape)

•       Supporting the local economy and addressing cost of living challenges (Cllrs Greenman and Henning)

•       Reducing anti-social behaviour (Cllrs Alstrom and Henning)

The Area Board received updates on activities undertaken for each of its Priority Areas as follows:

·       Youth engagement and positive activity opportunities (Cllrs Macdermid, Alstrom, Foster, Hutton and Henning) – A number of Local Youth Network meetings had been held, and additional work was taking place to encourage the involvement and engagement from other organisations. A collaborative event is being planned between Chippenham and Calne Area Board areas, with local organisations being contacted for contributions towards the funding of events.

·       Addressing climate change and nature recovery (Cllrs Murry and Macdermid) – The Chairman welcomed Cllr Kathryn Macdermid back to the Area Board following a time of maternity leave.

There was no update report for this meeting.

·       Promoting wellbeing and reducing social isolation in older and vulnerable adults (Cllr Cape) – The Chippenham Spring Health and Wellbeing Day is being held on 5 April 2025 offering support for carers health and wellbeing; Sharing interesting ideas on different wellbeing groups across the county, and further consideration of proposals for a senior games.

·       Supporting the local economy and addressing cost of living challenges (Cllrs Greenman and Henning) – Supporting residents and businesses from the Chippenham Community Hub through signposting to available services and work of the town team. The Area Board referred to a recent grant allowing for the purchase of slow cookers, an air fryer and wearable heated blankets, with examples of where the heated blankets had benefited a particular resident.

·       Reducing anti-social behaviour (Cllrs Alstrom and Henning) – Activities being undertaken by the Local Youth Network and Police Neighbourhood Team are key to reducing Anti-Social Behaviour in Chippenham and surrounding villages. The work of The Rise Trust was also acknowledged in serving the local community. 

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 9 January 2025, as set out in the attached report.

The Area Board received the notes of the LHFIG meeting held on 9 January 2025 and considered the recommendations arising from the meeting.

The Area Board also discussed funding for LHFIG schemes after the Local Elections in May 2025 and the potential for alternative funding streams. They also commented on double yellow line proposals for locations within the Chippenham Area to be signed off by the appropriate Cabinet Member, and road safety measures in the vicinity of Abbeyfield School.  

Resolved:

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 9 January 2025 and approved the funding allocations detailed in the minutes.

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

There were no urgent items.

Future Meeting Dates (6.30-8.30pm):

• 20 May 2025 – County Hall, Trowbridge - Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• 2 June 2025 - Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre
• 15 September 2025 - Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre
• 10 November 2025 - Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre

For information on applying for a grant or grant application deadlines for these meetings, contact the Strategic Engagement & Partnerships Manager (SEPM) – Ros Griffiths – email: Ros.Griffiths@wiltshire.gov.ukor the Engagement and Partnership Lead – Alexa Davies – email: alexa.davies@wiltshire.gov.uk 

The Area Board noted that the future meeting dates:

• 20 May 2025 – County Hall, Trowbridge - Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• 2 June 2025 – Venue to be confirmed
• 15 September 2025 – Venue to be confirmed
• 10 November 2025 - Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre