Agenda and minutes

To welcome those present to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting, ran through the procedures for remote meetings and invited Members to introduce themselves.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence had been received from:

·       Georgina Keily-Theobald, Headteacher, Downlands School

·       Ralph Plummer, Headteacher, Lavington School

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2021.

The minutes of the last meeting were considered. It was;

Resolved:

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2021.

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

Cllr Richard Gamble and Cllr Peter Evans both declared an interest in agenda item 16, Area Board Funding. In particular the grant application from the Wiltshire Museum as they were trustees, and the application from the Devizes Development Partnership as they were directors. Therefore, they would not vote on those items.

To receive the following announcements through the Chairman:

·       COVID-19 Update

Please follow the regulations and stay at home wherever possible. An update on targeted COVID-19 community testing for asymptomatic people is included in the agenda pack.

·       Census 2021

Census day will be on March 21 and households can take part online. See  https://census.gov.uk/ for more information.

·       Last Area Board before the May elections!

A big thank you to all Members, officers, partners, community members and residents that have been involved in the last 4 years.

·       Fostering in Wiltshire

We are currently seeking to recruit 100 new foster carers over three years so that our children can continue to live in their local communities, within Wiltshire. To become a foster carer, people need to be over 21 years of age and have a spare bedroom. More details are available on the fostering website: www.fosteringwiltshire.uk.

·       Wiltshire Independent Visitor Scheme

The Wiltshire Independent Visitor Scheme provides independent befriending support to children in the care of Wiltshire Council. Our volunteer Independent Visitors (IVs) play a really important role, visiting the young person they are “matched” with regularly, listening to them and taking an interest in their lives. They offer consistency, and quality, fun, one to one time. IVs make a long-term commitment to support a young person until they leave the care system, and often beyond this time. If you would be interested in becoming an Independent Visitor please visit https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/children-young-people-independent-visitor-scheme.

·       Become a Councillor

Would you be interested in becoming a councillor? There are further details in the agenda pack or see Becoming a councillor - Wiltshire Council for further information.

The Chairman, along with Cllr Laura Mayes, made the announcements as detailed within the agenda.

In addition, under the Last Area Board before the May elections announcement the Chairman thanked everyone who had been involved in the last 4 years. Particular thanks were passed on to the retiring councillors who were not standing again at the May elections and a brief summary given of some of the work they had undertaken during their tenure. The retiring councillors were:

·       Cllr Peter Evans,

·       Cllr Sue Evans,

·       Cllr Richard Gamble and

·       Cllr Anna Cuthbert.

Cllr Nigel Carter (Devizes Town Council), Cllr Wes Parfitt (Chair of Little Cheverell Parish Council), Cllr Julia Ford (Chair of West Lavington Parish Council), Cllr Stan Jonik (Chair of Erlestoke Parish Council) and Liz Starling (Clerk of Worton Parish Council) also passed on thanks and good wishes to the retiring councillors.

To receive updates from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       Schools updates

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       CCG B&ANES, Swindon and Wiltshire

o   Including update on the medical centre.

·       Town and Parish Councils

·       Devizes indies

Updated were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

Inspector Tina Osbourn gave an updated to the meeting and detailed overall crime figures for December 2020 to February 2021 at 251 incidents. Further breakdowns on these figures could be found in agenda supplement 2.  Priorities were detailed as school engagement and speed enforcement operations working alongside community speedwatch and known speeding sites.

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS)

Station Manager David Geddes was in attendance and apologised that he had been unable to attend the previous meeting. The DWFRS were consulting on their community safety plan which could be viewed at http://www.dwfire.org.uk/community-safety-plan/. Prevention work was continuing and Safe and Well visits could be requested at https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safe-and-well-visits/ for those over 65 or  with long term health conditions. The DWFRS were also checking on the fire safety of business as they reopened after lockdown, supporting the vaccine rollout and looking to recruit on call firefighters. More information could be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/workingfor-us/on-call-firefighters/.

·       Schools Updates

Mark Lascelles, Headteacher at Dauntsey’s gave a brief update. Mr Lascelles stated that the schools were glad to been able to reopen and it was also good for the bus companies and school suppliers. It was stated that the school was worried about mental health issues caused by the lock down and there were also concerns regarding the exams in summer.

Julian Morgan, Headteacher, Devizes School gave an update stating that they were also glad that students and staff were back at school.  There had been challenges with lateral flow testing, but in general things were going well. They school was as COVID safe as possible and there were numerous logistical challenges to implementing this which had been overcome. Mr Morgan agreed that the exams in summer were a concern. In response to questions Mr Morgan stated that the school was had support but there were pastoral and academic challenges.

Simon Down, Deputy Head, Lavington School echoed his colleagues’ comments. Mr Down stated it was great to have the students back in school. Andre Jack, Community Engagement Manager had been working proactively with the school and they had a grant application in which would be considered later in the meeting. Resilience and self-esteem were a focus for the school and it was hoped that they could return to outdoor learning.

The Chairman and other Councillors passed on their thanks to all the schools for their hard work over the last year.

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

The Chairman directed the meeting to the written update in the agenda.

·       CCG B&ANES, Swindon and Wiltshire

The Chairman directed the meeting to the written update on page 33 of the agenda.

·       Update on the medical centre.

Dr Richard Sandford-Hill, (Member of the project board for the Devizes new build and the Devizes PCN board) gave an update. Dr Sandford-Hill stated that the full business case for the centre had been approved by the CCG in January. It then had to go on for further approvals, which had not yet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

To receive an update from Nicola Harris of Wiltshire CIL on their Community Connector Work.

Nicola Harris of Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living gave an update to the meeting on their Community Connector Work. It was explained that approximately a year ago the group had been awarded a grant by Devizes Area Board. Lock down had affected plans and been a massive challenge, however there had been positive outcomes. When permitted by restrictions socially distanced events had been held such as a walking group, a men’s group, a boot camp and all of these really helped to bring people together.

The Chairman thanked Ms Harris for the update and the good work.

To receive an update on the Community Status Report from Andrew Jack, Community Engagement Manager.

Report to follow.

Andrew Jack, Community Engagement Manager, gave an update on the Community Status Report which was published in agenda supplement 1.

The officer explained that the idea behind the report was to produce a summary of the key issues that were emerging for the local community.

This was so that would make decisions, spend money and support projects that were relevant to the needs of people living in the Devizes Community Area.

The report was an ongoing and organic exercise that the Area Board would continue to undertake with the whole community.

Emerging themes so far included:

·       The Devizes area was a very rural population with a slightly higher than average older population.

·       A key issue was therefore around isolation – access to services, loneliness.

·       Support and positive activities for young people was difficult due to the rural area, distance into town and three separate secondary schools.

·       Unemployment rates, those claiming universal benefit and debt had increased during COVID.

·       Devizes had a high number of independent businesses. Support was needed to keep town centre vibrant.

·       Average house prices were lower than average but still excluded younger and local buyers – the demand for affordable housing is high.

·       The internet opened some doors, but also can excludes other people.

·       There is a lot of support for protecting the environment and to promote eco-friendly living.

·       We know we need to do more to facilitate sustainable modes of travel

·       Communities will need support to get back up and running when it is safer to do so

Next steps for the project were stated as:

·       The Area Board would look at which issues it could make the most difference to and create a rolling programme (a bit like the CATG process) focusing upon a maximum of 5 issues at any one time

·       All local organisations and partners would be encouraged to consider where they are best placed to make a difference and then take action.

·       For now it was asked that the report was accepted noting it was a continuous work in progress and any future input was welcomed.

To receive an update from Tamara Reay and Noel Woolrych on the Devizes Gateway Station project including survey results and an update on the business case.

Tamara Reay, Noel Woolrych & Catharine Symington of the Devizes Development Partnership gave an update to the meeting on the Devizes gateway project. The presentation slides are appended to these minutes.

To receive any updates from the Devizes Air Quality and Transport Strategy Group.

Cllr Richard Gamble, Chair of AQST gave an update to the meeting. There had been an excellent meeting held on 16 February and the notes from that meeting were on page 37 of the agenda pack. As a quick summary Cllr Gamble highlighted the following issues that were discussed:

·       Cycle parking:

o   More was needed for Devizes

o   Needed to be in area of high footfall to provide security

o   “Sheffield hoops” recognised as not suitable in visually sensitive areas

o   Use of temporary parking units to trial best locations

·       Potterne to Devizes off-road cycle route on hold – no site visits during lockdown

·       London Rd cycle route – alternative, parallel route being considered

·       Bus services in Wiltshire at 40% of normal passenger numbers

·       Town bus service re-tendered – Faresaver operating from 1st March

·       Other routes looked at – Lay Wood, urgent care centre and to Salisbury

·       Air quality currently good – all locations in Devizes comply

Cllr Gamble thanked all members of the group for their hard work.

To receive a petition - ‘B3098 (Church and High Street) changes within Market Lavington for Public Safety’.

View the online petition here: ePetition - B3098 (Church and High Street) changes within Market Lavington for Public Safety | Wiltshire Council.

Mr Chris Boaden introduced his petition regarding the B3098 (Church and High Street) changes within Market Lavington for Public Safety.

Mr Boaden thanked the Board for allowing him to raise this issue at the meeting. Some of the issues had been raised by the Parish Council with the CATG. He was disappointed with what he perceived was Wiltshire Council’s inaction over years on road safety in Market Lavington. He challenged Wiltshire Council data and the Atkins survey and stated that the Parish Council had alternate data showing that action needed to be taken here. Mr Boaden had moved there 8 months ago and since then an elderly lady had broken her able as the result of a collision and a teenager had been badly injured in an accident.  Mr Boaden welcomed any changes that would make the roads safer there.

Cllr Whitehead explained that he had worked with Market Lavington Parish Council over several years to make the roads there safer. Accidents which were reported to Wiltshire Council were recorded, to identify hot spots, so that a priority list of areas to work on could be produced and this had to be worked on in order. CATG had been introduced to help with these sorts of issues. So, whilst Wiltshire Council was aware of the problems there were other areas with a higher priority. Cllr Whitehead confirmed that working with the parish Council and CATG was the way to drive this forward and thanked Mr Boaden for his petition. It was,

Resolved:

To note the petition and suggest that Mr Boaden raised the issues with the Parish Council so it could be brought to CATG.

To consider the update and any recommendations arising from the Community Area Transport Group (CATG).

Cllr Gamble, Chairman of the CATG gave an update to the meeting. Points raised included:

·       Rotherstone & Avon Terrace, Devizes – Progress had been made on changes to TRO. A Cabinet member report had been prepared and submitted.

·       Low Road, Little Cheverell – No HGV signage.

·       Various streets for Devizes town centre - Agreed assessments for new 20mph limits.

·       Conscience Lane, Rowde – a new footpath was being developed. It would need a substantive bid for full funding.

·       Other projects being considered were for Stert, Potterne and Bromham.

·       PC representatives needed to attend CATG for their requests to be discussed.

There was a full report on pages 41-56 of the agenda. Cllr Gamble thanked all of those who worked on and attended the CATG.  

Resolved:

To note the update and approve the recommendations within it.

To receive any updates on youth work in the Devizes Community Area and consider the following applications for youth grant funding:

·       Wiltshire Youth for Christ, £5,000.00 towards a new youth worker for the Devizes Area.

·       The Bridge Project, £5,000.00 towards a Thrive hub worker in two Devizes Schools.

·       Potterne Youth Club, £2,700.00 towards the Potterne Community Garden Re-Generation.

·       Area Board Initiative, Devizes School, £4,700.00 towards supporting students returning to school.

·       Area Board Initiative, Lavington School, £4,700.00 towards supporting students returning to school.

Further details for the youth grant applications can be found in the grant report at agenda item 16.

Steve Dewer of WYFC gave a brief update to the meeting. He had undertaken a survey looking at the effects of lock down on young people. This had highlighted some key points which they would use to help support young people. The pop-up youth café would be utilised as soon as restrictions allowed. The last year had been a challenge, fundraising and engaging with young people had been very difficult. Any support people could offer would be welcomed. The Chairman stated he understood the difficulties and thanked Mr Dewer for his work and the update.

The grants as detailed in the agenda were introduced by the Chairman. John Chandler spoke in support of his application for Potterne Youth Club and the Chairman thanked him for all the good work the youth club did. After which it was,

Resolved:

·       To grant Wiltshire Youth for Christ, £5,000.00 towards a new youth worker for the Devizes Area.

·       To grant The Bridge Project, £5,000.00 towards a Thrive hub worker in two Devizes Schools.

·       To grant Potterne Youth Club, £2,700.00 towards the Potterne Community Garden Re-Generation.

·       To grant the Area Board Initiative, Devizes School, £4,700.00 towards supporting students returning to school.

·       To grant the Area Board Initiative, Lavington School, £4,700.00 towards supporting students returning to school.

To receive an update on the Devizes Health and Wellbeing Group and consider the following applications for Health and Wellbeing funding.

·       Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, £899.00 towards their Natural Connections - Nature-Based Wellbeing Programme.

·       Care Home Volunteers, £456.50, to recruit, train & support volunteers.

·       Wiltshire Service Users’ Network, £900.00 towards their Devizes Walking Buddy Scheme

·       Alzheimer’s Support, £900.00 towards supporting Sidmouth St Day Club

Further details on the Health and Wellbeing grant applications can be found under the grant report at agenda item 16.

The applications for Health and Wellbeing as detailed in the agenda were introduced by the Chairman, however he clarified that there was only £900 left in the HWB budget. It was,

Resolved:

·       To refuse the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, £899.00 towards their Natural Connections - Nature-Based Wellbeing Programme due to a lack of funds. However, the applicant was invited to reapply in the next financial year.

·       To refuse Care Home Volunteers, £456.50, to recruit, train & support volunteers, due to a lack of funds. However, the applicant was invited to reapply in the next financial year.

·       To refuse Wiltshire Service Users’ Network, £900.00 towards their Devizes Walking Buddy Scheme due to a lack of funds. However, the applicant was invited to reapply in the next financial year.

·       To grant Alzheimer’s Support, £900.00 towards supporting

Sidmouth St Day Club

To receive a recap from the Devizes Area Board Councillors on Area Board work during the last 4 years.

Cllr Laura Mayes (Vice Chair of the Area Board) gave an update on the last 4 years of the Area Board. Points raised included:

·       22 Area Board meetings (+1 community briefing) held in four years, including Wiltshire Council’s last face to face meeting prior to COVID.

·       The Board covered the town and 16 parishes and 33,000 people live in the Community Area.

·       Operates three different sub-groups

o   Community Area Transport Group

o   Health & Wellbeing Group

o   Air Quality & Sustainable Transport Group.

·       The Board had an annual budget of approx. £90,000

·       The Board had an audience of 40+ at face to face meetings

·       The Board (via the CEM) communicated with 1,000+ each week via the Our Community Matters website and newsletter.

Details of grant monies awarded were given along with details of some of the groups/projects these grants had helped and their locations in the Community Area.

The following successful events had been held:

·       Pop-up Youth Club on The Green, summer 2020

·       Devizes Health & Wellbeing Day, 2019

·       Careers Fair, Devizes School, October 2019

Cllr Mayes thanked Cllr Jacobs for Chairing the Area Board for the last 8 years.

To consider the following applications to the Community Area Grants Scheme:

·       Erlestoke and Coulston Cricket Club, £5,000.00, towards a new pavilion at Walled Garden.

·       Wiltshire Museum, £2,262.13 towards a new boiler and temperature control.

·       Devizes Town Council, £2,405.00 towards supporting independent businesses in Devizes.

·       All Cannings Community Shop Society Ltd, £5,000.00 towards a new shop getting ready to build.

·       Devizes and District Foodbank, £3,000.00 towards a new delivery van.

·       Devizes Development Partnership, £3,144.73 towards new CCTV cameras + move to new location

·       Avon Road Community Assoc., £804.95 towards new goalposts for Avon Rd Park

The Chairman introduced the grants as detailed in the agenda, noting that there was not enough funding left to award all grants in full. Representatives of the organisations applying for grants spoke in support of their applications. It was,

·       To grant Erlestoke and Coulston Cricket Club, £2,500.00 of the £5,000.00 applied for, towards a new pavilion at Walled Garden. The amount was less than requested due to a lack of funds remaining in the budget. The board invited the applicant to reapply for further funds next financial year.

·       To grant Wiltshire Museum, £2,262.13 towards a new boiler and temperature control.

·       To grant Devizes Town Council, £2,405.00 towards supporting independent businesses in Devizes.

·       To grant All Cannings Community Shop Society Ltd, £2,500.00 of the £5,000.00 requested towards a new shop getting ready to build. The amount was less than requested due to a lack of funds remaining in the budget. The board invited the applicant to reapply for further funds next financial year.

·       To grant Devizes and District Foodbank, £2,500.00 of the £3,000.00 requested towards a new delivery van. The amount was less than requested due to a lack of funds remaining in the budget. The board invited the applicant to reapply for further funds next financial year.

·       To grant Devizes Development Partnership, £3,144.73 towards new CCTV cameras + move to new location. £2,644.73 would be awarded now and the remaining £500.00 would be awarded in the new financial year via the delegated authority of the CEM.

·       To grant Avon Road Community Assoc., £804.95 towards new goalposts for Avon Rd Park in the new financial year via the delegated authority of the CEM.

Residents are invited to ask questions of their local councillors.

There were no questions.

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 Devizes Area Board will be held on 18 May 2021 (time to be confirmed). This meeting will be to elect a Chair, Vice Chair and appoint Members to Outside Bodies and Working Groups for the forthcoming year.

The next full meeting of the Devizes Area Board will be held on 21 June 2021 at 6.30pm.

The Chairman announced that the next meeting of the Devizes Area Board would take place on 18 May 2021, time to be confirmed. This would be a special meeting to elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year.

The next full meeting of the Devizes Area Board would be held on 21 June 2021 at 6.30pm.