Agenda and minutes

To welcome those present to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited Members to introduce themselves.

To receive any apologies for absence.

It was announced that Cllr Laura Mayes would be late due to a clash of meetings.

Apologies were also received from regular attendees:

·       Noel Woolrych (Opendoors)

·       Georgina Keily-Theobald (Headteacher, Downlands School)

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2022.

The minutes of the last meeting were presented for consideration, and it was,

Resolved:

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2022.

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

Declarations of interest were received from:

·       Cllr Iain Wallis who declared an interest in items 13 and 15. Specifically the Older and Vulnerable Adults grant from Devizes Rotary as he was a trustee and the Community Area Grant from the Devizes Development Partnership as he was a member. Cllr Wallis declared these as non-pecuniary interests but stated that he would not take part in the votes on those items.

·       Cllr Laura Mayes declared an interest in agenda item 15, the Community Area Grant from Assize Court as she was a member of the Devizes Assize Court Trust, Cllr Mayes stated she would not take part in the vote on this item.

To receive the following announcements through the Chairman:

·       Engagement and Partnerships Team Structure

·       Electric Vehicle Charging Points Webinar

·       Annual Canvass

·       Post 16 Skills and Participation Offer

·       Update on behalf of the Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living (Wiltshire CIL)

·       Shared Lives Wiltshire

The Chairman referred the meeting to the written updates in the agenda pack.

In addition, the Chairman introduced Richard Rogers (Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager) who would be taking over from Andrew Jack (formerly Community Engagement Manager for Devizes). Richard Rogers explained that there had been changes with the structure to the Engagement and Partnerships Team. There used to be 12 Community Engagement Managers (CEM’s) supporting the Area Boards. The CEM post had now been removed and in its place, there would be 6 Strategic Engagement and Partnership Managers (SEPM’s). Andrew Jack and Richard Rogers had been appointed to 2 of the SEPM posts. Andrew would now be covering Area Boards in North Wiltshire and Richard would be covering Devizes, Pewsey and Melksham. The SEPM role involved supporting Area Board Councillors to deliver priorities, supporting local organisations and clubs to achieve goals and supporting corporate priorities. The SEPM’s would be supported by 6 Area Board Delivery Officers, whose posts were currently being recruited to, and 3 Area Board Support Officers. At present Richard Rogers would be the first port of call for Devizes and he could be contacted on richard.rogers@wiltshire.gov.uk.

There would now also be a link to the Extended Leadership Team who would work with the Area Boards and help to ensure that the Boards work aligned back into strategic decision making. The ELT officer for Devizes was Andy Brown, (Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director Resources and s151 officer).   Andy introduced himself to the meeting.

To receive updates from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Police and Crime Commissioner

·       Fire and Rescue Service

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       Integrated Care Board (formerly CCG) – including update on Devizes Health Centre

·       Schools updates

·       Town and Parish Councils

·       Devizes Indies

·       Devizes Sustainability Working Group

·       Devizes Opendoors

·       Devizes and District Foodbank

In addition to the written partner updates in the agenda pack the following verbal updates were given, these were taken in a different order to that published in the agenda:

·       Fire and Rescue Service

Station Manager Andrew Laskey gave an update to the meeting. The number of incidents had not increased significantly in the last period, but the type of incidents that had occurred, namely the wildfires, had involved a lot of resources. There had been around 8 domestic incidents and 15 false alarms. Andrew had recently taken over from David Geddes as the station manager for Devizes. In relation to the community safety theme, the service was working with partners to see how they could help support people with the cost of living crisis. In response to questions, it was explained that the ‘Safe and Well’ team worked on prevention and protection. Safe and Well advisors visited vulnerable people to advise on smoke alarms, heat alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. In certain circumstances ‘Warm and Well’ packs were available for vulnerable people which included a blanket, thermos flask and hot water bottle. The service also undertook ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’ road safety education campaigns, visiting to schools to highlight the dangers and consequences of poor and dangerous driving.

·       Devizes Sustainability Working Group

Graham Martin of Sustainable Devizes gave an update to the meeting. A community fridge was being set up which would be located in the Shambles. A biodiversity strategy was being developed which would link to the Wiltshire Council Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan. A film night was taking place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 September at St Andrews Church. There would be a free film screening of ‘The Story of Plastic’, all Board Members and attendees were welcome to attend.  A meeting was due to take place on 6 September at the Town Hall regarding the cost of living crisis to discuss the scale of the problem, what the impacts were and what could be done to help people.

Regarding Safer Cycling - the Devizes Cycling Survey which took place in 2020 highlighted that cyclists do not feel safe in Devizes and the group wanted to make cycling safer. The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) had been consulted upon in June 2022 and clarity was sought on the next steps in the process. If there was to be another consultation phase Mr Martin hoped that an event could be held, backed by the Area Board and with all relevant stake holders invited, so that the widescale support could be demonstrated. The group hoped to change behaviour to reduce traffic. Where funding would come from was also questioned.

Cllr Tamara Reay, Chair of the Air Quality and Sustainable Transport (AQST) Group thanked Mr Martin for his comments and thanked those within the AQST group who had worked at length on the LCWIP. It was key that the strategy was put in place, as this would help to secure funding. Funding streams could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

To receive an update on the work of Devizes ASB partnership.

Police Constable Sarah Hardwidge gave an update to the meeting. It was explained that there had been an uplift in officers and there were now 2 officers managing the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and 4 Community Support Officers. The NPT dealt with ongoing issues and how to prevent crime from happening. Focuses included educating young people on hate crime and cyber crime. They worked alongside Wilts FA and Steve Dewer (WYFC youth worker). There had been a rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Devizes, with Covid being partly responsible as integration with the young people had stopped over that time. The NPT were responding to the rise in ASB and were out and about regularly, trying to be accessible and to engage with people.

Lisa Colombi (Wiltshire Youth Justice Service) who was due to give an update on the Safer Streets funding bid and plan had unfortunately had to send late apologies.  The main points included in her slide show were covered by Andrew Jack (CEM) as follows:

·       £126,960 Home Office grant + £129,600 match funding

·       Additional CCTV

·       Educational packages including training on Bystander Intervention for local residents and stakeholders including young people

·       Parent mentors and parenting support for parents struggling with their children’s behaviour in the community

·       Community mediation workshops informed by Restorative Justice approaches and emerging contextual safeguarding evidence base

·       Diversionary activities include commissioning local youth work organisation who can deploy a mobile pop up café to provide a safe space for young people to access support and opportunities. The bus can also facilitate activities using music and recording equipment.

·       The Local Authority to host a temporary full time Young People’s Support Worker role, based within the Youth Justice Service who’s focus will be on coordinating diversion activities with an emphasis on structured, targeted group work and detached youth work approaches to engage young people in the community. The role will also casehold young people from Devizes. This role will include working with local schools, the police, voluntary sector organisations and Devizes Town Council. Advert currently live, interviews to take place w/c 12th Sep

·       A part time Contextual Safeguarding Practice Lead will act as project manager to oversee delivery of the above and lead on compiling evidence of progress and outcomes and contribute to ASB toolkit and understanding of ‘what works’. Advert live, interviews w/c 26th Sep.

To receive an update on Wilts FA's summer 'Roots & Shoots' programme.

Oliver Selfe (CEO) and Maria Lai from Wilts FA gave an update to the meeting on their Roots and Shoots youth project. Wilts FA had moved to Devizes in 2020 and had opened an amazing new facility at Green Lane Playing Fields. The aim was to provide football for all. Objectives included:

·       Sustaining and growing participation via flexible, inclusive, safe and accessible opportunities.

·       Maintaining and developing relationships with stakeholders based upon trust and shared vision.

·       Providing exceptional standards of safeguarding to ensure football was an enjoyable experience.

·       To increase and utilise investment effectively to support grassroots football to be more sustainable.

·       Improving the quality and access to football facilities.

·       Providing outstanding training and education programmes for the football workforce.

·       Increasing the profile of grassroots football through effective marketing and communication.

Reasons behind the project were stated to include:

·       A strategic partnership between Wiltshire County FA & Devizes Community Policing Team.

·       The new Football Hub HQ at Green Lane Devizes.

·       Football was a powerful vehicle for change in society.

·       Addressing immediate concerns about anti-social behaviour in the town.

·       Facilities were a key challenge particularly in the evenings.

·       Supporting Wiltshire FA objectives and complimenting NSPCC independent safeguarding assessment.

The project would be achieved by:

·       Connecting with partner agencies to deliver positive engagement through football.

·       Providing a 15-week course of 2hrs football combined with youth worker support.

·       Providing pathways provided into clubs and career advice within football.

·       Engaging young people in positive activities to get them off the streets.

·       Aiming to reduce ASB in Devizes.

·       Breaking down the barriers between young people and the services.

The budget for the project was low, at £3,231. Attendance at the project had been positive with numbers ranging from 12 to 18 attendees. The young people attending had been identified through agencies. It was hoped that the project could be developed and grown, although more funding would be needed to achieve this. The project received positive feedback from those in attendance.

Residents are invited to ask questions of their local councillors.

A question was received from the audience regarding the fact that all 3 parking machines in the centre of Devizes were not working and could not currently take cash. Some people may have difficulty paying via a smart phone and parking tickets were still being issued, which seemed unfair.

In response Members stated that the problems had been reported to parking services. If all the machines were out of action and a person received a parking ticket, they should appeal. It was highlighted that it was not the intention to make all pay machines in all car parks pay by phone only. There would always be some car parks available where people could pay using cash.  

A further question was received regarding the plans announced by Devizes School to sell 3 acres of the schools land. It was explained that this was in pre consultation and ownership of the land needed ironing out.  

To consider the update and any recommendations arising from the Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG).

Cllr Dominic Muns as Chairman of the LHFIG gave an update to the meeting.

All 13 high priority schemes as detailed below were progressing well:

·       Speed limit review, A342 Lydeway: Objection had been received and Cabinet Report submitted. This has now been approved. Works order is being prepared for issue.

·       New footway linking Tanis, Conscience Lane, Rowde: PC now think they can put in a different type of footway, which will use a bridge. Now have permission from landowner about taking path a different route. These discussions are ongoing.

·       Speed limit review, A342, Bromham: Recommendations of new 40mph south of Sandy Lane then 50mph to St Edith’s Marsh. Cost £9-10,000. Bromham PC to negotiate with neighbouring parish.

·       New 20mph limits, various roads, Devizes: All locations suitable to new 20mph limits. Contribution agreed from Devizes TC. Devizes AB to confirm LHFIG funding of £14,000

·       New warning signage for pedestrians in road, Bromham village: New signage installed and work now complete.

·       Seend High St; visibility of pedestrians: High-friction surface to be installed. Provisional date of 1st week in September

·       Horton Road; speed limit review: speed limit review is programmed in, results likely to be ready for the next LHFIG meeting (Oct ‘22)

·       New SID sockets & posts, Worton: Site visit took place in June. Still awaiting report back before making further progress.

·       Bus clearway, Eastleigh, Devizes: consultation by Devizes TC has been carried out. There was only 1 objection and there are possible solutions to support that resident.

·       30mph repeater signs for New Rd, Bromham: PC’s contribution to the scheme confirmed.  The project can progress

·       W Lavington, Duck St parking concerns: new double yellows to be installed. PC to provided detailed locations.

·       New street lights, Roundway Park, Devizes: consultation carried out by Devizes TC has been positive and supportive. Expected implementation Sept / Oct.

·       Request for direction signs, Southbroom Centre, Victoria Road: The draft design is done and the order for the new signage will be out soon.

Some schemes had now been given high priority slots, others were awaiting funding confirmation and some new projects had been added.

Cllr Dominic Mayes, proposed a motion to note the discussions from the LHFIG meeting on 5 July, confirm the progress of the 13 high priority schemes agreed by the LHFIG and confirm the LHFIG’s funding contributions. This was seconded by Cllr Laura Mayes. It was,

Resolved:

·       That Devizes Area Board note the discussions from the LHFIG meeting of 5th July.

·       To confirm the progress of the thirteen high priority schemes agreed by LHFIG.

·       To confirm LHFIG’s contribution to new 20mph limits throughout Devizes town centre: £14,000 (54% of £26,000)

·       To confirm LHFIG’s contribution to 30mph repeater signs, New Rd Bromham: £1,850 (75% of £2,500)

·       To confirm LHFIG’s contribution to give way signs, Green Ln, Devizes : £3,750 (75% of £5,000)

·       To confirm LHFIG’s contribution to new bollards, Market Place, Devizes: £900 (75% of £1,200)

To receive any updates from the Devizes Air Quality and Sustainable Transport Group and approve any funding recommendations.

Cllr Tamara Reay, as Chair of the Air Quality and Sustainable Transport (AQST) group gave an update to the meeting.

Cycling and Walking:

·       Work towards new Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) was going well:

o   Consultation events for stakeholders took place in June and were also promoted by Sustainable Devizes at their Sustainability Day (11th June).

o   The comments collected were now being incorporated into a final draft.

o   The plan was due for completion and adoption in early 2023.

·       The LCWIP would show destinations and desire lines, not full designs of routes.

·       There was new interest in improving the canal towpath from Coate Bridge to Bishops Cannings, including involvement from the parish council, Canal & Rivers Trust and developer. Funding was being sourced.

Car Clubs

·       A useful meeting was held with Co Cars and there was interest from them in coming to Devizes.

·       There was a need to carry out a residents’ survey to gauge interest in new car club.

Rail:

·       The Strategic Outline Business Case for Devizes Gateway being taken further by the DfT and an additional £400k was available for further feasibility studies.

·       Devizes TC, Devizes Development Partnership & Wiltshire Council were involved in this work

EV Charging Strategy:

·       Electric Vehicle Charging Points webinar: An opportunity to learn more about Wiltshire Council’s approach to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, would be taking place on September 14th at 5.30pm on Teams.

Buses:

·       Still a shortage of bus drivers across the industry and Faresaver was nearly at capacity.

·       There ahd been a detailed discussion around access to Marshall Road and the new Integrated Care Centre, including the limited bus service and an apparent encouragement of car usage.

·       There was new funding from central government to Wiltshire Council for new officers with more strategic angle to co-ordinate the new demand-responsive bus service in Pewsey Vale.

·       There had been an offer from the Passenger Transport Unit to work with AQST to develop better services to Laywood and the Care Centre.

The next meeting of the AQST group would take place on 3 November 2022 at 2.00pm.

It was,

Resolved:

That Devizes Area Board note the discussions from the AQST meeting of 18th August.

To receive any update on youth work in the area and consider the following application for youth grant funding.

·       Bromham Youth Club, £2,682.00, towards Bromham Youth Club.

·       West Lavington Youth Club, £5,000.00 towards West Lavington Youth Centre.

To note the following Youth grant already awarded under the delegated authority of the CEM:

·       Wiltshire County Football Association, £1,000.00 towards Devizes Youth Football Project.

Further details on the grant applications can be seen in the grant report under item 15.

Cllr Dominic Muns as lead Cllr for youth gave an update to the meeting. He stated that there had been some really good work in the sector. In response to a survey which had been undertaken, Devizes Town Council was looking at how they could use assets to improve youth services, at how the wider community and corporations could engage and at how funding could be raised. It was hoped that this project would grow and move out into the parishes. The youth clubs in the Lavingtons were collaborating really well and it was hoped that this could be encouraged across the area.

Cllr Muns introduced the youth grant applications for consideration by the Board:

1)    Bromham Youth Club, £2,682 towards the Youth Club.

Darren Barber spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Laura Mayes seconded by Cllr Dominic Muns, proposed to support the application in full. After consideration, it was:

Resolved:

To grant Bromham Youth Club, £2,682.00, towards Bromham Youth Club.

Reason:

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

2)    West Lavington Youth Club, £5,000.00 towards West Lavington Youth Centre.

Dave Brown spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Dominic Muns seconded by Cllr Simon Jacobs, proposed to support the application in full. After consideration, it was:

Resolved:

To grant West Lavington Youth Club, £5,000.00 towards West Lavington Youth Centre

Reason:

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

The following youth grant which had already been awarded under the delegated authority of the Community Engagement Manager, required noting by the Board. It was,

Resolved:

To note the grant Wiltshire County Football Association, £1,000.00 towards Devizes Youth Football Project.

To receive an update on the Devizes Health and Wellbeing Group and consider the following application for Older and Vulnerable Adults funding.

·       Devizes Rotary, £500.00 towards the HWB Showcase 2022.

Further details on the grant application can be found in the grant report under item 15.

The Chairman introduced the Older and Vulnerable Adults grant application for consideration by the Board:

1)    Devizes Rotary, £500 towards the HWB Showcase 2022.

Cliff Evans spoke in support of the application.

The Chairman, seconded by Cllr Simon Jacobs, proposed to support the application in full. After consideration, it was:

Resolved:

To grant Devizes Rotary, £500 towards the HWB Showcase 2022.

Reason:

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

To receive any updates from Andrew Jack, Community Engagement Manager.

Andrew Jack spoke briefly, stating that he had been working on the action plan and getting it aligned to the new business plan. It was very community focused.

The Chairman gave his thanks to Andrew for all the hard work he had done for Devizes Area Board.

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

·       Cycle Friendly Devizes, £500.00, towards a new gazebo to promote sustainable travel options.

·       Devizes Development Partnership, £2,500.00, towards Devizes CCTV.

·       Devizes Assize Court Trust, £5,000.00 towards planning for the future of Devizes Assize Court.

To note the following Community Area Grant already awarded under the delegated authority of the Community Engagement Manager:

·       Sustainable Devizes, £750.00 towards the Devizes Community Fridge.

The Chairman introduced the Community Area Grant applications for consideration by the Board:

1)    Cycle Friendly Devizes, £500.00, towards a new gazebo to promote sustainable travel options.

Catherine Reed spoke in support of the application.

After discussion, Cllr Philip Whitehead, seconded by the Chairman, proposed to support the application in full, subject to the gazebo being available to other community groups to use, when it was not in use by Cycle Friendly Devizes. After consideration, it was:

Resolved:

To grant Cycle Friendly Devizes, £500.00, towards a new gazebo to promote sustainable travel options, subject to the gazebo being available to other community groups to use, when it was not in use by Cycle Friendly Devizes.

Reason:

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

2)    Devizes Development Partnership, £2,500.00, towards Devizes CCTV.

Cllrs discussed the application, it was noted that Devizes Town Council made significant contributions to the CCTV, but that it would be good if businesses contributed more. The DDP were developing a business plan to help with this.

The Chairman, seconded by Cllr Simon Jacobs proposed that the application be awarded in full. It was,

Resolved

To grant Devizes Development Partnership, £2,500.00, towards Devizes CCTV.

Reason

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

3)    Devizes Assize Court Trust, £5,000.00 towards planning for the future of Devizes Assize Court.

Nicola Trowel of the Devizes Assize Court Trust, spoke in support of the application.

The Chairman, seconded by Cllr Simon Jacobs proposed to support the application in full. After consideration it was,

Resolved:

To grant Devizes Assize Court Trust, £5,000.00 towards planning for the future of Devizes Assize Court.

Reason:

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

The Chairman proposed that the Board note a Community Grant application from Sustainable Devizes, for £750 towards the Devizes Community Fridge. This grant had already been awarded under the delegated authority of the Community Engagement Manager. It was,

Resolved:

To note the grant already awarded under the delegated authority of the CEM to Sustainable Devizes, for £750 towards the Devizes Community Fridge.

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

There were no urgent items.

The next ordinary meeting of the Area Board will be held on 5 December 2022.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and announced that the next meeting of Devizes Area Board would be held on 5 December 2022.