Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2024.

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

Resolved:

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting on 18 November 2024 as a true and correct record.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chairman will give any updates on outcomes and actions arising from previous meetings of the Area Board.

The Chairman gave a brief update on the Northgate Street situation, where due to a fire and damage to buildings, the traffic was reduced to one way. It was explained that there was a traffic order in place to keep the traffic one way for at least another month. However this was continually being reviewed by Highways and so the Chairman would give updates when more was known.

The Area Board is asked to note the following Information items:

·       Community First

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Cost of Living update

o   Wiltshire Local Elections 2025

o   Devolution to Wessex update

o   Family and Community Learning (FACL) Impact Report 2023-24

The Chairman referred the meeting to the Information Items as set out in the agenda pack. These were:

• Community First (pages 27-31)
• Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal
• Wiltshire Council Information Items:
  • Cost of Living update (page 33)
  • Wiltshire Local Elections 2025 (page 35-36)
  • Devolution to Wessex update (pages 37-38)
  • Family and Community Learning (FACL) Impact Report 2023-24 (pages 39-64)

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Simon Garret

·       Police and Crime Commissioner - Philip Wilkinson OBE

·       Town and Parish Councils

Written Updates

The Board is asked to note the following written or online updates attached to the agenda:

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) online update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVJRnk705PM

Updates were received as follows:

·       Wiltshire Police– Inspector Simon Garret, Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT)

The Inspector ran through his slides (which were updated following agenda publication, and the updated version is therefore appended to these minutes), focusing on the crime summary.

For November and December 2024 there had been 300 crimes and 305 incidents. Crime figures overall were relatively stable, with some crimes increasing and some decreasing. There had been a reasonably significant reduction in violent and sexual offences.

There had been 10 burglaries in the November-December 2024 period, which was a reduction compared to the prior 2 months. These burglaries covered homes, outbuildings and businesses. The reduction was due to a series of burglaries which had been attributed to some local youths, 1 of which was now on remand.

The FAT rate (formerly known as the detection rate) was detailed and this had improved.

In the community the police locally had undertaken rural crime operations; given burglary prevention advice; undertaken mobile police station community engagements and helped to catch a burglary suspect who had received a custodial sentence. In addition, a male had been found guilty of attempted murder, the officers who had arrested the suspect had been very brave, as the suspect was armed with a knife. Some drug related warrants had been enacted, with suspects arrested and drugs and cash seized. Speed enforcement had taken place on several dates in various locations. Those breaking the speed limit had been issued with speeding tickets, with some offered speed awareness courses, others receiving fines and some given notices of intended prosecution.

Attendees then had the opportunity to ask questions of the Inspector.

A representative of West Lavington Parish Council state that they had been very pleased to have the police undertake speed enforcement in their parish. However, their Community Speed Watch (CSW) locations had been reduced from 5 to 1 following a traffic survey, and they queried if there was a way to get other CSW locations in the village. It was highlighted that this was due to statistics showing that most of the traffic was doing less than 35 miles per hour, however there were still 600 vehicles a day that were speeding. The Inspector stated that they should email him outside of the meeting and he would see if there was anything that could be done.

In response to a question on speed awareness courses, it was stated that it was thought that these took place online, but the Inspector was not certain. A Member of the Board stated that the speed awareness course was in person again now.

A member of the audience queried whether any speeding enforcement had taken place in Devizes since the 20mph limit had been introduced on some roads as it was not felt that the limit was being observed. In addition, they felt that Station Road was an accident waiting to happen, as there were often parked cars around a blind bend. Sergeant Chirs Wickham, who was in attendance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive updates on the Area Board priorities (listed below) and to celebrate achievements of the Area Board over the last 4 years.

·       Addressing climate change and protecting the environment (Lead Cllr – Cllr Tamara Reay)

·       Improve opportunities for children and young people (Lead Cllr – Cllr Dominic Muns)

·       Valuing and supporting our vulnerable and older people (Lead Cllr – Cllr Simon Jacobs)

·       Increasing the safety of our community (Lead Cllr – Cllr Kelvin Nash)

·       Support those in greatest need and improve their resilience (Lead Cllr – Cllr Iain Wallis)

Lead councillors gave updates on the Area Board Priorities as follows:

·       Addressing climate change and protecting the environment (Lead Cllr – Cllr Tamara Reay).

Cllr Reay stated that some of the main topics under this priority included improving and promoting public transport, increasing walking and cycling, supporting use of electric cars and improving energy efficiency. Quite a lot had been achieved over the last 4 years. This had been a team effort, so thanks were given to Devizes Town Council, Sustainable Devizes, Cycle Friendly Devizes and to officers. There had been a request to look at cycling in the town, so some Area Board Members had been on a cycle ride one Sunday morning.

The Devizes Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) had been developed, this document was a framework and a wish list for what the town would like to see developed, which was backed up by data and had been consulted upon. It could be seen at the link above. It was hoped that some S106 funds from planning applications could be used to help improve matters. Furthermore, Wiltshire Council had received £1 million from Active Travel England and Cllr Reay would advocate for Devizes to get its share of the funding. In relation to improving the infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EV’s) the charging units in Station Road car park had been replaced and Central and Western car parks also had some so there were now 10 in total in Devizes. There had been investment in bus services, and developer agreement for an additional service to Lay Wood which had now been delivered. In addition Wiltshire Connect (demand responsive bus services) had now been expanded to serve Devizes.

·       Improve opportunities for children and young people (Lead Cllr – Cllr Dominic Muns)

Cllr Muns was pleased to hear that the Devizes youth space, which the Area Board had supported was progressing. Cllr Muns detailed how West Lavington Youth Club also supported a lot of youth related projects. Cllr Muns highlighted that a grass roots approach to youth worked really well, however it was sometimes difficult to get a clear picture. Therefore, Cllr Muns detailed the grant funding given by Devizes Area Board to youth work and thanked Cllrs and stakeholders for their hard work in this space.

·       Valuing and supporting our vulnerable and older people (Lead Cllr – Cllr Simon Jacobs)

Cllr Jacobs gave his thanks to a whole host of organisations which supported this priority, including the Lions and the Rotary Clubs who had held lots of events and had really good networks. Likewise, thanks were given to Open Doors and Alzheimer’s Support . Cllr Jacobs, who had been a Cllr for Wiltshire Council for 12 years, stated that the Devizes Area had extraordinary spirit.

·       Increasing the safety of our community (Lead Cllr – Cllr Kelvin Nash)

Cllr Nash, highlighted that the meeting had heard a lot from the police and PCC earlier in the meeting who had done lots of work in this space and on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Residents are invited to ask questions of their Area Board councillors.

Attendees were offered the opportunity to ask question of the Area Board.

An attendee stated that they would love for the Wiltshire Connect (Demand Responsive Transport) to go through Lavington and West Lavington as this would be a fantastic addition as a next step. Cllr Tamara Reay agreed and advised that the Passenger Transport Team had developed a Bus Service Improvement Plan, which had been funded to the tune of £6 million, which would be invested in services and infrastructure. In addition, a network review would be undertaken. So, it would be looked at as to whether coverage could be increased to villages which did not have coverage. Cllr Reay would encourage the team to look at Lavington in their review.  

A representative of Bishops Cannings Parish Council stated that there was a lot of information given at Area Boards which was relevant to parish councils and local people. However, the meeting did not routinely have representatives from all the parish councils in attendance. It was suggested that the Board may wish to have a meeting with all Parish Council Chairs to highlight the value of attending the Area Board, so that information could be disseminated to the wider community. Area Board Members agreed with this, and stated that this would be something that could be looked out in the new term following the elections in May.  

To note the minutes and consider the following funding recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 14 January 2025.

Recommendations:

·       Potterne High Street - Topographical survey, £2,500.00

(LHFIG £1,875, Potterne PC £625)

·       Bishops Cannings - Speed assessment,£3,100

(LHFIG £2,325, Bishops Cannings PC £775)

·       Devizes SID infrastructure - 3 sockets 1 post, £3,000

(LHFIG £2,250 Devizes TC £750)

·       Poulshot Footpath to A361 – Develop a proposal for a substantive bid, £4,500.00

(LHFIG £3,375 Poulshot PC £1,125)

·       Waiting restrictions - 2025 batch £6,500.00

(LHFIG £4,875, Seend PC £125, DTC £1,500)

Further information on the LHFIG process can be found here.

Cllr Kelvin Nash gave a very brief update on the LHFIG, following which he proposed the minutes of the LHFIG be noted and the funding recommendations listed on the agenda approved. This was seconded by Cllr Laura Mayes, and it was,

Resolved:

• To note the discussions from the LHFIG meeting 14 January 2025.
• To approve the funding recommendations as follows:
  • Potterne High Street - Topographical survey, £2,500.00

(LHFIG £1,875, Potterne PC £625)

(LHFIG £2,325, Bishops Cannings PC £775)

(LHFIG £2,250 Devizes TC £750).

(LHFIG £3,375 Poulshot PC £1,125)

(LHFIG £4,875, Seend PC £125, DTC £1,500)

To receive any updates and consider any recommendations from the Devizes Air Quality and Sustainable Transport (AQST) Group.

Cllr Tamara Reay gave an update on the AQST group. Updates were given as follows:

·       Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) – Cllr Reay highlighted that she had spoken about the LCWIP earlier in the meeting under the priorities item. Having reviewed the topographical survey information, pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular traffic data for London Road, this was being considered for an improved cycle and pedestrian facility on the north side of London Road. However, concerns were raised regarding the number of intersections and other issues. Furthermore, a representative from Bishops Cannings also raised the possibility to link to its own schemes to improve cycling and walking. Therefore, there would be further consideration ahead of a consultation. A meeting would be organized with AQST stakeholders.

·       There was S106 funding from the Coate Road development to improve the canal towpath. A representative would be invited to the next meeting to discuss progress.

·       Bus Services –

o   The fire in Northgate Street continued to cause problems due to the one-way system. A new app for Wiltshire Connect would start on 24 February 2025.

o   There was funding to improve shelters and bus stops in the Devizes area.

·       Walking and Cycling – A request will be brought to the area board to use S106 funding to trial safe bike hangers in Devizes.

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

Remaining Budgets:

Balance if all grants awarded in full:

Area Board Initiatives:

Community Area Grants:

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

Young People Grants:

Delegated Funding

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

• ABG2193 -  AB Initiative, Area Board Grant Plaques, £150.00 (from Community Area Grant budget)

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

The Chairman noted the budgets remaining, and budgets left if all grants were awarded in full, as was detailed on the agenda.

Older & Vulnerable Adults Grants

·       Devizes MS Support Group requested £500 towards Devizes MS Support Group Outing

A representative of the Devizes MS Support Group spoke in support of and explained their project.

Cllr Laura Mayes, seconded by Cllr Kelvin Nash, proposed to award the grant in full.

Decision:

Devizes MS Support Group was awarded £500 towards Devizes MS Support Group Outing.

Reason – The application met the Older & Vulnerable Grants Criteria 2024/25.

·       Quakers Walk Community Biodiversity Group requested £500 towards a Wildlife Garden

A representative of the Quakers Walk Community Biodiversity Group spoke in support of and explained their project.

Members highlighted that the group may also be able to get help from the Rotary Club or the Men’s Shed.

Cllr Laura Mayes proposed to award the grant in full, which was seconded by Cllr Simon Jacobs.

Decision:

Quakers Walk Community Biodiversity Group was awarded £500 towards a Wildlife Garden

Reason – The application met the Older & Vulnerable Grants Criteria 2024/25.

Youth Grants

Due to the lack of funds remaining in youth budget, it was suggested to hear from both applicants (as listed on the agenda) prior to making any decisions. Therefore, the Area Board heard from grant applicants in attendance who gave a brief overview of, and were questioned about, their projects.

Following this, it was noted that if both grants were awarded in full, there would be a deficit of -£960. However, part of the West Lavington Youth Club application was for a capital purchase, which could come from the Community Area Grant Budget, as even if all Community Area Grants were awarded in full, there would be £973 remaining.

Therefore, the Chairman proposed to award the West Lavington Youth Club grant in full, with the funds being split between the Youth budget (£2,040) and the Community Area Grant budget (£960), and to award the Spurgeons Grant in full (£500). This was seconded by Cllr Dominic Muns.

Decision:

·       To grant the West Lavington Youth Club £3,000 towards West Lavington Youth Club. (With the funds being split as follows: £2,040 from the Youth budget and £960 from the Community Area Grant budget).

·       To grant Spurgeons Childrens Charity Wiltshire Family Hub £500 towards Street Sports.

Reasons – The applications met the Youth Grants Criteria 2024/25

Community Area Grants:

It was again suggested that all the Community Area Grants applicants (including the Area Board Initiative, which would come from the Community Area Grant budget) be heard from first, prior to making any decisions.

Therefore, the Area Board heard from grant applicants in attendance who gave a brief overview of, and were questioned about, their projects.

Following this, the Chairman proposed that all grants be awarded in full, with the exception of the Bromham Community Hub grant towards Bromham Community Hub Information Technology, which it was proposed would be awarded £4,000 of the £5,000 requested. This would leave approximately  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

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

There were no urgent items.