Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Area Board Councillors to those present.  He explained that this meeting would focus on the theme of young people.

Apologies for absence were received from:

Pauline Lyons – Box Parish Council

Elaine Savage – Box Parish Council

Barbara Gray – Events and Sponsorship Manager

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2011.

Decision

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2011 as a correct record.

Councillor Peter Davis declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item number 8 (capital asset transfer) as he was a member of Corsham Town Council.  Councillor Davis left the meeting when this item was discussed and did not speak or vote on the item.

To receive any chairman’s announcements.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

(a)  Microphone Etiquette

The Chairman advised people how to use the microphone system effectively.

(b)  Household Survey – “What matters to you?”

Wiltshire Council and its partners were carrying out a large random survey of Wiltshire residents in order to understand local people’s priorities and needs.  Copies of the survey were made available at the meeting and people can also complete an on line version using the following link www.wiltshire.gov.uk/whatmatterstoyou

(c)  Copenacre Development

At the last meeting it was mentioned that a public exhibition regarding the Copenacre development would be organised early in the New Year.  The Chairman confirmed that the exhibition would take place on Wednesday 18 January 2012 in the Main Hall at Corsham Community Centre between the hours of 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

(d)  Ian Storey

The Chairman announced, with great sadness, the death of Ian Storey on the weekend of 19/20 November.  Ian was a director of the Corsham Area Development Trust and in that role oversaw the management of the Tourist Information Centre and later the Corsham Area Heritage and Information Centre.  He was also, until earlier this year, the President of the Corsham Chamber of Commerce, and more recently took up a role within the Corsham Civic Society.  His most recent ventures were the launch of the Corsham Area Marketing Initiative, and the launch of the Martingate Centre website.

Ian spent most of his working life in marketing, had a great passion for promoting local enterprise in Corsham, and always had the interests of the community at heart.  Ian would be greatly missed by many in the community.

To receive any updates from the following partners:

(a)  Wiltshire Police

(b)  Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

(c)  NHS Wiltshire

(d)  Town and Parish Council Nominated Representatives

(e)  Corsham Community Area Network (CCAN)

(f)   Chamber of Commerce

(g)  Shadow Corsham Community Operations Board (SCOB)

(a)  Wiltshire Police

Inspector Martin Schorah reported that PC Heather Barham the Chippenham Rural Officer, would be retiring on 31 December.  PC Emma Higgins would be Heather’s replacement.  Two new PCSOs would also be transferring to the area at the beginning of January.  There had been very little trouble over Halloween and Bonfire Night and the strategies put in place to prevent anti social behaviour over this period had worked well.

The parking situation at St Patrick’s School, Corsham was still being monitored and work was ongoing with the school, council and partners to find a solution.

Inspector Schorah also reminded people to be careful of their belongings when out shopping in busy places and also to ensure that Christmas shopping was not left on view either in cars or in the home.

(b)  Fire and Rescue Service

Mike Franklin reported that there had been four fires in the area during September and October.  Most of the fires in the home had started in the kitchen area.  It was important to ensure that chimneys were cleaned on a regular basis.

(c)  Colerne Parish Council

The planning application had been submitted for the conversion of the three disused aircraft hangers in Colerne.  Funding had now been secured for the CCTV system.  The village Christmas lights would be switched on on Tuesday 6 December at 1600 hrs.

(d)  Corsham Town Council

The Town Council had now chosen its four corporate priorities which were as follows:

·         Asset Management

·         Cycle Network

·         Springfield Leisure Centre and Community Campus

·         Tourist Information Centre

The Town Council was happy to support any proposed Diamond Jubilee events next year.  The Christmas lights would be switched on tomorrow evening.

(e)  Box Parish Council

The Parish Council had just completed the community plan survey which needed to be analysed and used to produce a new plan.  The Parish was looking forward to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year.  Wiltshire Council was thanked for the road improvements which were currently being carried out in the Parish.

(f)   Corsham Community Area Network (CCAN)

The older persons’ day held on 20 October 2011 had also provided an opportunity to undertake a consultation exercise.  A report of the consultation outcome had been produced and a copy had been given to the Community Operations Board.

The main focus of work for CCAN was currently the Community Operations Board and preparation for the major event in February regarding the community plan.

(g)  Community Operations Board (COB)

Allan Bosley, Chairman of the Operations Board, congratulated the members of the Operations Board on the amount of effort and hard work they had put in. 

The COB had some concerns about transport and congestion in the vicinity of the campus.  There were likely to be a number of coaches in the area at certain times which could lead to problems.  The members wondered whether Section 106 funding could be used to divert traffic from Pickwick Road past the leisure centre to Springfield Road.  It was important for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To view a DVD regarding the work of the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Cllr Peter Davis will introduce this item.

The Area Board viewed a DVD regarding the work of the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.  The DVD highlighted the many difficult situations that the service faced on a daily basis.

A number of those present praised the “Safe Drive/Stay Alive campaign which targeted young people with the aim of improving road safety.  The film that was shown at schools and other events was hard hitting and effective.  The Salamander project was also commended for its excellent work with young people.

To consider whether to approve 5 community asset transfers to Corsham Town Council.

The Area Board considered a report by the Community Area Manager regarding an application for the transfer of five areas of land to be transferred to Corsham Town Council in accordance with Wiltshire Council’s community asset transfer policy.

A query was raised as to whether the Rudloe Community Centre tenants were aware of the proposed transfer.

Decision

(1)  To approve the transfer of the following parcels of land to Corsham Town Council in accordance with Wiltshire Council’s community asset transfer policy:

·         Priory Cross Allotments

·         The Ridge Allotments

·         Dicketts Road Play Areas

·         Westwells Road, Neston

(2)  To approve the transfer of the Rudloe Play Area to Corsham Town Council in accordance with Wiltshire Council’s community asset transfer policy subject to the agreement of Wiltshire Council officers who are considering the future of the Rudloe Community Centre.

ACTION: Dave Roberts, Community Area Manager

NOTE: Councillor Peter Davis declared a prejudicial interest in this item as a member of Corsham Town Council.  Councillor Davis left the meeting for this item and did not speak or vote.

To consider recommendations from the Community Area Transport Group (CATG) regarding proposed highways projects.

The Area Board considered the recommendations from the Community Area Transport Group (CATG) regarding proposed highways projects. The Corsham CATG had been allocated £11,759 for the 2011/12 financial year.

Decision

(1)  To continue work on the proposed traffic calming project at South Place, Corsham.

(2)  To agree to offer 50% funding for one set of dropped kerbs to each Town and Parish Council within the Corsham community area.

(3)  To note that St Patrick’s School, Lacock Road, Corsham would be dealt with under the school travel plan.

To hear about the future of services for young people and the outcome of the recent consultation regarding the 11 to 19 Strategy.

James Fortune, Lead Commissioner, will present this item.

James Fortune, Lead Commissioner, gave a short presentation regarding the future of services for young people and the outcome of the recent consultation regarding the 11 to 19 strategy.

The 11 to 19 Strategy had now been approved by the Cabinet and included the following seven broad priorities:

·         Employment and training

·         Educational attainment

·         Housing

·         Transport

·         Involving young people

·         Volunteering

·         Improving integrated youth services

The Cabinet had also approved a Wiltshire Youth Work Offer.  The key features of the Youth Work Offer are:

·         Open access youth work

·         Higher level targeted youth work support

·         Better co-ordination of positive activities for young people

·         Stronger partnerships

·         Increased use of volunteers

An implementation group which includes councillor representatives had been established.

Youth Advisory Groups would also be set up in each local area and linked to Area Boards.  The groups would play a key role in improving the co-ordination of positive activities for young people in local areas. 

To consider a grant application for £5,000 from the Colerne Colts Football Team.

(a)   Hannah Guy from the Infusion Dance Group, who recently received grant funding from the Area Board, will give a brief update on the project and how the money is being spent.

(b)  Applicants bidding for a share of the £4,377 available for youth projects will present their plans to the Area Board who will then decide which project(s) should receive funding.  The Board may also consider whether to fund any of the projects from the discretionary Community Area Grants budget.

A brief summary of each of the proposed projects is attached.

(a)  Infusion Dance Group

Hannah Guy from the Infusion Dance Group was, unfortunately unable to attend the meeting to provide an update on the work of the group.  However, she provided an update report which was circulated at the meeting.

(b)  Allocation of Youth Funding

The Area Board held a “Dragons’ Den” type event to enable local groups to bid for a share of the £4,377 funding allocated for youth projects.  The following six groups gave a short presentation on their proposed projects:

·         Army Welfare Service – Purchase of equipment for use at kidzone clubs for the 5-7 age range

·         Corsham Primary School – Provision of a breakfast club at the Broadwood site.

·         Flava Café, Neston – Purchase of a second hand Wii games console along with games and ancilliary equipment and some conventional board games for use at the youth café.

·         Wiltshire Global Education Centre – Funding to run a competition/event called “Talking about places far away”. 

·         Scouts – Purchase of a new mess tent and electricity generating panel.

·         SPLITZ – Project costs of SplitzKidz, to provide one to one support with the same youth worker for up to one year.

Having listened to the presentations and asked questions the Area Board then considered the merits of each application.  Voting handsets were used to gauge the views of all those present at the meeting.

When asked whether the Area Board should support each of the projects the voting was as follows:

·         Army Welfare Service – 70% - yes, 30% - no

·         Corsham Primary School – 72% - yes, 28% - no

·         Flava Café – 86% - yes, 14% - no

·         Wiltshire Global Education Centre – 70% -yes, 30% - no

·         Scouts – 95% - yes, 5% - no

·         SPLITZ – 80% - yes, 20% - no

Those present were then asked to choose their top three projects and the voting was as follows:

25% - Scouts

24% - SPLITZ

18% Flava Café

14% - Army Welfare Service

13% - Corsham Primary School

6% - Wiltshire Global Education Centre

The Chairman thanked all the groups for taking part in this event and asked them to come back to the Area Board to give an update on their projects.

Decision

To agree to fund all the projects that have applied for funding using the £4,377 allocated for youth funding and using £9,518 from the community area grants fund as follows:

·         Army Welfare - £4,000

·         Corsham Primary School - £1,000

·         Flava Café, Neston - £700

·         Wiltshire Global Education Centre - £4,205

·         Scouts - £1,490

·         SPLITZ - £2,500

Reason

The Area Board considered that all the above projects were of community benefit to young people in the Corsham community area.

ACTION: Dave Roberts, Community Area Manager

To note that future meetings will take place on:

Thursday 2 February 2012 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 22 March 2012 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 24 May 2012 – Colerne Village Hall – 7pm

Thursday 26 July 2012 – Lacock Village Hall – 7pm

Thursday 20 September 2012 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 22 November 2012 – Corsham Community Centre – 7pm

Thursday 24 January 2013 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 21 March 2013 – Box Pavilion – 7pm

A forward work plan for the area board is attached for information.