Agenda and minutes

To welcome attendees to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed attendees to the meeting and invited councillors and officers to introduce themselves. The new Area Board Delivery Officer, Louisa Young, stated that she looked forward to working with the Board.

To note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence had been received from the following:

• Cllr James Sheppard (substituted by Cllr Paul Oatway QPM)

·       Police and Crime Commissioner for Swindon and Wiltshire, Philip Wilkinson OBE

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2022.

As proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM, it was resolved to:

Decision

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 11 October 2022, as a true and correct record.

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

To receive announcements through the Chairman, including:

·       Family Help Project

·       King’s Coronation – 6 May

·       Electric vehicle charging grants

·       Warm and Well Event – 25 January – Marlborough Town Hall

·       All Things Roads – 23 February

·       Town Centre Plan – see Marlborough Town Council's website for further details

The Chairman made the following announcements:

a)    Wiltshire Council’s Families and Children’s Transformation Project was running pilot study in Warminster and Westbury designed to coordinate the work of different agencies and focus on early intervention. If successful, the project could be rolled out across Wiltshire.

b)    Information about organising events for the coronation of King Charles III was available in the agenda pack.

c)    Also in the pack were details of how to apply for grants from Wiltshire Council and central government for electric vehicle charging points.

d)    A Warm and Well event organised by the Area Board and Marlborough Town Council, was due to place on Wednesday 25 January at Marlborough Town Hall. The aim of this drop in event was to provide support and information to those in our community to support them through the winter.

e)    The Area Board’s All Things Roads event was due to take place on 23 February, also at Marlborough Town Hall. The event for local residents would be attended by Danny Kruger MP, as well as representatives from Wiltshire Council, the town council and police.

The Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (Andrew Jack) and Lead Councillors will provide an update about the progress made towards the Area Board’s priorities.

The Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM) reported that the Area Board had been working with partners to deliver an action plan for the local area. He then went on to outline some of the actions taken to help drive forward the Area Board’s priority goals, which were organised into themes.

The Vice-Chairman highlighted that Wiltshire Council had made funding available to support high streets, which Marlborough could bid for. She noted that a working party of the town council was helping to build an evidence base to put forward as part of a potential bid and that they were looking as issues such as how to improve signage within the town.

The Chairman explained that as the Area Board only had three councillors, it was necessary to focus on the areas where they could have the greatest impact. Given the significant levels of overlap between the Older and Vulnerable People’s Lead role and Health Lead Councillor role she proposed to remove the Health Lead role. On the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM, it was resolved:

Decision

To remove the role of Lead Councillor for Health.

Reason - To avoid duplication and focus the Area Board’s Lead Councillor roles on where they could have the greatest impact.

To note the attached Partner updates and receive any further information partners wish to share:

1. Wiltshire Police
2. Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
3. Kennet and Avon Medical Partnership
4. BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Together (Integrated Care System)
5. Healthwatch Wiltshire
6. Transition Marlborough
7. Jubilee Centre
8. Town / Parish Councils
9. Community First

Written updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office (precept consultation)

·       Kennet and Avon Medical Partnership (attached)

·       BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Community First

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

The following partners also provided verbal updates:

Wiltshire Police

Inspector Ben Huggins, the new head of Devizes Community Police Team, and Assistant Inspector Luke Atkinson introduced themselves, stating that they looked forward to working with the Area Board. They then spoke about key local issues including:

·       Devizes Community Police Team, the team supporting the Area Board, covered the safest area of Wiltshire.

·       There was on ongoing investigation into a fatal road collision near Aldbourne on 26 November.

·       A number of proactive operations had taken place locally to combat drug dealing and there had only been two reports in Marlborough since the end of October.

·       Officers would look into an unauthorised encampment near the former railway line near Marlborough’s Tesco.

·       The cross border Rural Crime Team was working in the area and advising landowners on preventative steps.

·       A successful drink driving awareness course had been run locally over the Christmas period. 

The Area Board thanked the police for their update. They also asked them to pass their thanks to Inspector Al Lumley for his help in supporting the local area.

Kennet and Avon Medical Partnership (KAMP)

Suzy Deering Communications Manager at KAMP delivered a presentation about recent developments at the partnership. Whilst the number of routine appointments had stayed relatively stable over recent months, there had been an overall increase in cases driven by a rise in the number of medically urgent cases. She noted that the partnership was currently providing between 8,000 and 9,000 appointments per month and had roughly 17,500 registered patients. Despite the pressures facing the service patient satisfaction remained high and the majority of appointments were delivered face to face. Please see the attached slides for further details.

The Area Board noted the pressures facing the service and thanked the communication manager, as well as Dr Richard Hook, who helped to answer questions from the audience, for the update. The Chairman noted that she was aware of good local cases of social prescribing and asked whether additional information could be provided at the next meeting.

Jubilee Centre

Sally Wolfenden from the Jubilee Centre explained that they provided a meal and good company for their members. She noted that they also worked closely to help people in nearby villages.

To find out more about the work going on in the community to support residents with the cost-of-living crisis over the winter period.

To note the awarding of the following Older and Vulnerable People’s grant applications via the delegated authority of the Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager:

·       Marlborough Town Council awarded £1,000 towards a Marlborough Area Cost of Living Crisis Partnership Coordinator. This is a part time, temporary, post to co-ordinate and publicise this work, which includes the provision of warm spaces.

·       St Peter’s Church Trust awarded £500 towards the provision of a warm space.

Note: further details about these grants can be found in the attachment to Item 12.  

The SEPM highlighted that there were a number of grants available to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis. Details of the grants, as well as advice on key issues such as housing, business and financial support could be found on Wiltshire Council’s website. Information leaflets had been printed and would be available at the Jubilee Centre and KAMP. He then highlighted a number of local initiatives, such as Marlborough Kid’s Meals, Devizes and District Food Bank and the Warm and Well event on 25 January. A member of the public also noted the importance of transport in ensuring that people were able to access the support available. 

The Area Board then voted to note Older and Vulnerable People’s grants awarded via the delegated authority of the SEPM since the last meeting:

On the proposal of the Vice-Chairman, seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM, it was resolved:

Decision

To note that Marlborough Town Council had been awarded £1,000 towards a Marlborough Area Cost of Living Crisis Partnership Coordinator. This was a part time, temporary, post to co-ordinate and publicise this work, which included the provision of warm spaces.

Reason - The application met the criteria for Older and Vulnerable People’s funding for 2022/23.

On the proposal of the Vice-Chairman, seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM, it was resolved:

Decision

To note that St Peter’s Church Trust was awarded £500 towards the provision of a warm space.

Reason - The application met the criteria for Older and Vulnerable People’s funding for 2022/23.

To receive an update from the latest meeting of the Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group.

To consider the following application for Older and Vulnerable People’s funding:

·       Greatwood Charity requesting £1,425 towards equine assisted intervention at a nursing home.

Note: please see the attachment to Item 12 for further details about the grant applications.

Jill Turner, Chair of Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group, provided an update, including information about the Live Longer Better programme. She also reported that they would soon be advertising the role of Older Persons and Carers’ Champion. It was possible that the role could be shared between two people. 

The Area Board then considered the following application for Older and Vulnerable People’s funding:

Greatwood Charity requesting £1,425 towards equine assisted intervention at a care home

During the discussion the head of fundraising at Greatwood Charity spoke in favour of their application. It was clarified that the funding would be used to support residents with Care Act eligible needs at Coombe End Court, a non-profit care home in the Area Board’s area.

On the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM, it was resolved:

Decision

To award Greatwood Charity requesting £1,425 towards equine assisted intervention at a care home.

Reason - The application met Older and Vulnerable people’s Grant funding for 2022/23. Reassurances had been given that the funding would not be used to support private ‘for profit’ care or nursing homes.

To receive an update on the progress made towards appointing a youth worker for the Marlborough area. Please find attached a document outlining the role is included in the agenda pack.

The Area Board will also consider the following Youth Grants:

·       2^nd Marlborough Scout Group requesting £2,901 towards youth activities.

·       Marlborough Penguins Amateur Swimming Club requesting £2,895 towards volunteer and swimmer support.

Note: please see the attachment to Item 12 for further details about the grant applications.

The Vice-Chairman reported that Marlborough Area Youth Forum was a registered charity. The recruitment process for the Marlborough Area Youth Worker was now underway, with at least 10 applications received and it was hoped to make an appointment by the spring. The Vice-Chairman spoke about the importance of working closely with local villages to ensure that the whole of the Area Board’s area could benefit.

The Area Board then considered the following applications for Youth funding:

2nd Marlborough Scout Group requesting £2,901 towards youth activities

Donna Kirby from 2^nd Marlborough Scouts spoke in favour of their application, noting that they ran an annual camp. They had around 24 Scouts that would benefit including those from lower income families and/or additional needs.

On the proposal of the Vice-Chairman, seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM, it was resolved to:

Decision

Award 2nd Marlborough Scout Group £2,901 towards youth activities.

Reason - The application met Youth grant criteria for 2022/23.

The Area Board noted that they would welcome a visit from the Scouts at a future meeting to hear about their experiences.

Marlborough Penguins Amateur Swimming Club requesting £2,895 towards volunteer and swimmer support

A representative spoke in favour of their application, noting that they had around 220 swimmers under the age of 19 and were a not for profit, volunteer led, organisation. They were an inclusive club that supported a number of para-swimmers within their youth squad. The money used would assist volunteers, the head coach, as well as a hardship fund for swimmers from lower incomes.

On the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM, it was resolved:

Decision

To award Marlborough Penguins Amateur Swimming Club £2,895 towards volunteer and swimmer support.

Reason - The application met Youth grant criteria for 2022/23.

The Area Board will be asked to ratify the recommendations of the Marlborough Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) meeting of the 24 November 2022.

To find more about the results of a recent town centre survey, as Marlborough Town Council’s future traffic plan will be coupled with the ideas generated.

To highlight that an “All Things Roads” event will take place on 23 February, at 6:30pm in Marlborough Town Hall.

The Vice-Chairman provided further information about the Area Board’s All Things Roads Event on 23 February. She encouraged the public to submit queries in advance of the meeting to areaboards@wiltshire.gov.uk. The event would begin at 7pm with refreshments available from 6:30pm.

The Vice-Chairman then gave an overview of the issues discussed at the latest meeting of the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group. On her proposal, seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM it was resolved:

Decision

1. Marlborough Area Board to note the discussions from the LHFIG meeting of 24 November 2022.

2. To confirm the ongoing 2022/23 priority schemes agreed by LHFIG:

•       Issue 8-20-4 – A4 Manton traffic calming – Stage 1 (if possible) and topographical survey

•       Issue 8-22-9 - Marlborough Cardigan Road

3. To note the completion of the following 2022/23 priority schemes:

•       Issue 7027 – double lining on B4003 (work continues to investigate solutions for the lay-by surface and verge repairs)

•       Issue 8-20-6 – Ogbourne Maizey 20mph speed limit assessment

4. To assign the following as priority actions for 2023/24:

•       Issue 8-20-4 – A4 Manton traffic calming (Stage 2) involving development work leading to potential substantive scheme bids for 2024/5. Stage 1 will also be included in the priority actions if incomplete.

•       Issue 8-21-8 - Aldbourne virtual path

•       Issue 5190 - safety works at London Road

•       Issue 8-21-7 - Forest Hill speed limit review

•       Issue 8-22-2 - Crossing / traffic calming on The Common in Marlborough, involving development work leading to potential substantive scheme bids for 2024/5 

•       Issues 8-19-1 and 8-22-3 - pedestrian crossing Marlborough High Street

•       Issue 8-21-12 – traffic calming Back Lane, Ramsbury

•       Issue 8-22-8 – No HGV sign – B4192/Crowood Lane

5.     To note the date of the next LHFIG meeting as 2 March 2023.

The Wiltshire Councillors will consider the following applications to the Community Area Grants Scheme:

·       Avebury Cricket Club requesting £5,000 towards cricket nets at Avebury Sports Field.

·       Aldbourne Scouts and Guides Supporters Association requesting £5,000 towards the renovation and extension of their hut.

·       Winterbourne Monkton Community Hall requesting £2,727 towards new blinds.

·       Ramsbury and Aldbourne Bowls Club requesting £1,975 towards a new mower.

The Area Board considered applications for Community Area Grant funding.  The SEPM introduced each application, following which a representative of the applicant gave a brief overview of their project to the Area Board. It was noted that there was insufficient Community Area Grant funding available to award all of the requests in full. 

Avebury Cricket Club requesting £5,000 towards cricket nets at Avebury Sports Field

Dom Fry from the cricket club explained that they had grown significantly in recent years and had wide community engagement with around 300 junior members. The net refurbishment would allow them to deliver more coaching. On the proposal of Cllr Oatway QPM, seconded by the Chairman, it was resolved:

Decision

To award Avebury Cricket Club £5,000 towards cricket nets at Avebury Sports Field.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2022/23.

Aldbourne Scouts and Guides Supporters Association requesting £5,000 towards the renovation and extension of their hut

Jude Edmondson from the supporters’ association explained that their hut was now 60 years old and that lots of fundraising had taken place to extend and modernise it. The SEPM confirmed that as the project was aimed at 13- to 19-year-olds the Area Board would have the option to award the grant from its Youth Grant fund. On the proposal of the Vice-Chairman, seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM, it was resolved:

Decision

To award Aldbourne Scouts and Guides Supporters Association requesting £5,000 towards the renovation and extension of their hut

Reason – The application met the Youth Grant Criteria 2022/23.

Winterbourne Monkton Community Hall requesting £2,727 towards new blinds

One of the trustees of the hall, Andrew Perutz, highlighted that they were a charity with wide community usage on a new estate. The electric blinds would be safe and improve privacy for users. The grant, if awarded, would include the cost of installation. On the proposal of Cllr Oatway QPM, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, it was resolved:

Decision

To award Winterbourne Monkton Community Hall £2,727 towards new blinds.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2022/23.

Ramsbury and Aldbourne Bowls Club requesting £1,975 towards a new mower

Martin Smith, the club’s greenkeeper, stated that their current mower was experiencing reliability issues and they planned to buy a reconditioned replacement. He noted that they had 32 playing members, at least half of which were over the age of 70. The SEPM confirmed that the project could also qualify for Older and Vulnerable People’s Grant budget given that it would benefit people in the qualifying age bracket. On the proposal of the Vice-Chairman, seconded by Cllr Oatway QPM, it was resolved to:

Decision

To award Ramsbury and Aldbourne Bowls Club £1,975 towards a new mower.

Reason – This grant would be funded using the Community Area Grant funding remaining for 2022/23 [£989] with the remainder [£986] coming from the Older and Vulnerable People’s budget. The application met criteria for both of the Community Area and Older and Vulnerable People’s Grant Schemes for 2022/23.

There were no questions or urgent items.

The next meeting of the Marlborough Area Board will be held at 7.00pm on 21 March 2023.

It was noted that the next business meeting of the Marlborough Area Board would be on Tuesday 21 March 2023.

The Chairman also drew attention to the Warm and Well event on 25 January 2023 and the Area Board’s All Things Roads discussion on 23 February 2023.