Agenda and draft minutes

Marlborough Area Board - Tuesday 3 June 2025 7.00 pm

Venue: The Assembly Room, Marlborough Town Hall, Marlborough, SN8 1AA

Contact: Matt Hitch - Democratic Services Officer  Email: committee@wiltshire.gov.uk

Items
Note No. Item

22.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence had been received from:

 

·       Guy Singleton – Chair of Savernake Parish Council

·       Sam Howell – Director of Highways and Transport, Wiltshire Council

23.

Minutes

To confirm the minutes of the last ordinary meeting, held on 11 February 2025, and the extraordinary meeting, held on 20 May 2025, as true and correct records.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

On the proposal of Cllr James Sheppard, seconded by the Chairman, Cllr Jane Davies, it was resolved to make the:

 

Decision

 

To approve the minutes of the previous ordinary meeting, held on 11 February 2025, as a true and correct record.

 

On the proposal of Cllr Sheppard, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, Cllr Kymee Cleasby, it was resolved to make the:

 

Decision

 

To approve the minutes of the extraordinary meeting, held on 20 May 2025, as a true and correct record.

 

24.

Declarations of Interest

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

Minutes:

The Chairman noted that she had received a dispensation from the Monitoring Officer in relation to her role on the management committee of the Jubilee Centre, categorised as an Other Registerable Interest under Wiltshire Council’s Code of Conduct. The dispensation allowed her to remain in the room, take part in the discussion and vote on their application, under Item 12. She explained that remaining in the room in her capacity as a councillor would allow the meeting to remain quorate. However, the Chairman stated that she would not vote on the application to avoid any perception of bias.

 

7:05pm

25.

Chairman's Updates

The Chairman will give updates, including:.

 

·       Wiltshire Community Air Network

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman explained that the Wiltshire Community Air Network was a citizen science project designed to monitor the levels of very fine particulates (PM2.5) across the county’s 18 Area Boards. She noted that over 100 monitoring kits had been purchased by Wiltshire Council and encouraged anyone interested in applying to have a monitoring station outside their house to contact CommunityAirNetwork@wiltshire.gov.uk. The real time data gathered would help to inform Wiltshire’s next Air Quality Strategy.  She noted that it would be great to have the monitoring stations deployed in hotspot areas.

 

It was also reported by the Chairman that there would be a festival on 20 September, at Wiltshire Music Centre, for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The festival would be a great opportunity for people with SEND and their carers to have fun and share experiences. She encouraged any local businesses or organisations that would be keen on sponsoring the event to contact voice@wiltshire.gov.uk. Further information was available in Agenda Supplement 1.   

26.

Information Items

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

 

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Consultation on draft Setting of the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Document

Minutes:

The Chairman encouraged people to have their say on the consultation on the draft Setting of the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Document. The consultation would be available to access on Wiltshire Council’s Consultation Portal until 17 June. The Chairman explained that she, along with the Chairman of Stonehenge Area Board, had also asked for local drop-ins in their areas. A consultation event would take place in Marlborough Library between 4pm and 7pm on 12 June.

7:10pm

27.

Shared Lives

To watch a video from the Shared Lives Service raising awareness of the service, local issues and the need to recruit carers.

Minutes:

A video from the Shared Lives Service was shown to raise awareness of the service. Under the scheme vulnerable adults could live as part of a family, within their carer's home, where they receive support, care and companionship. Although there were no carers based in Marlborough at present, the service was actively seeking compassionate, dedicated, individuals to apply. People with questions about the scheme could contact mercedescass@wiltshire.gov.uk.

7:25pm

28.

Partner and Community Updates

Verbal Updates

 

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

 

·       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Simon Garrett

·       Kennet and Avon Medical Partnership – Suzy Deering

·       Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group – Jill Turner

·       Town / Parish Councils

 

Written Updates

 

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

 

·       Community First

·       Update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue – online

·       Age UK Newsletter

·       Understanding Dementia Sessions – Alzheimer’s Support

 

 

Note: Speakers are reminded that they each have a 3-minute slot, unless they have previously discussed alternative arrangements with the Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager.

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Area Board noted the written updates attached to the agenda and received the following verbal updates:

 

Neighbourhood Police Team

 

Inspector Simon Garrett provided an update on crime statistics and the recent activity of the neighbourhood team. The team’s new neighbourhood sergeant, Georgina Wyatt was introduced; it was noted that she was looking forward to working in the area and meeting people at the team’s next quarterly Facebook Live engagement event.

 

Inspector Garrett noted a slight rise in violent offences in March and April 2025, compared to the equivalent period in 2024, which was primarily attributed to improved crime recording practices. Throughout April and May 2025 there had been a total of 137 reported crimes, compared to 126 in March and April 2024. However, he reassured the Area Board that 1.89 percent of Wiltshire’s reported crime in April and May 2025 had taken place in the Marlborough Area and just 1.027 percent of burglaries.

 

He highlighted successful prosecutions for shoplifting and the use of mobile police stations for community engagement. Speed enforcement activities were detailed, including recent checks in Great Bedwyn and Froxfield. Inspector Garrett also mentioned the use of tack marking kits at stables to help identify high-value saddles and educational visits to schools to tackle knife crime. He emphasised the importance of community engagement and invited suggestions for events where the neighbourhood team could meet the public.

 

 

Kennet and Avon Medical Partnership (KAMP)

 

Suzy Deering, Communications Manager at KAMP, along with Danielle, Team Leader of the Patient Navigator Team and Joanne, Deputy Leader of the Patient Navigator Team, explained the role of patient navigators in signposting patients to appropriate services. They highlighted that there had been an increase in specialist services and the efficiency of their call handling, with an average response time of two minutes. The team handled 20,000 calls a month with ‘phonelines open between 8:30 and 18:30. Patients were able to contact the practice outside of these hours via the website; the practice would respond within five working days.  

 

The Deputy Leader of the Patient Navigator Team described the team's pivotal role in navigating patients to both internal and external services, including to social prescribing, minor injuries, sexual health, and pharmacies. The Team Leader emphasised that not all patients needed to see a GP, and the navigators were trained to direct patients to the most appropriate place to receive assistance. Although not medically trained, they were a skilled team that understood the struggles of patients and were there to help.

 

During the discussion, the services were praised by members of the Area Board. It was also highlighted that, although it was often thought that they only operated in hospitals, KAMP had three paramedics.

 

Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group

 

Jill Turner, Chair of Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group, reported that there had been a networking event on 20 March for professionals from Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector and health organisations in St Peter’s, which was very successful. She also gave an overview of their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

8:00pm

29.

Community Area Update and Discussion

  • Part 1: To receive a report from the Engagement and Partnerships Manager on the strategic and local work they are delivering and additional key resources for Councillors, partners and residents.

 

  • Part 2: For each Councillor to briefly provide an overview of their division, and the key challenges and opportunities that they have identified that the Area Board can collectively support. 

 

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM), Andrew Jack, noted that, in addition to their work with Area Boards, the Engagement and Partnerships Team in which he worked would focus on county wide initiatives. He then provided an update on strategic and local work of the team, including projects to increase employment opportunities for residents with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, address food insecurity, through distributing the Household Support Fund, and enhancing social value through community engagement.

 

He discussed the importance of using data and evidence to inform strategic decisions and highlighted the role of Area Boards in supporting the council's business plan. The SEPM mentioned the development of a new toolkit to engage with residents more effectively and the creation of interactive directories to provide detailed information about each Area Board. He also emphasised the need for better communication between parishes and the potential for developing a parish forum. Additional information was available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/area-boards. 

 

The SEPM then invited councillors to provide an overview of their divisions, and the key challenges and opportunities facing them:

 

The Chairman highlighted the varied nature of Marlborough West, including the historic high street, small villages and world heritage site. She explained that, although people associated Wiltshire Council mainly with repairing potholes and emptying bins, it spent just under 40 percent of its budget on supporting social care. She emphasised that local authorities had a responsibility to help reduce need and vulnerable people and empower community support services. Examples included the Wiltshire Connect bus, which could collect people with a disability from their homes. Praise was also given for the increased emphasis that the police has put on tackling speeding, which she felt was partly an impact of public concern being raised through the democratic process.

 

The Vice-Chairman discussed her new role Wiltshire Councillor and the challenges in Marlborough East, including traffic issues on Herd Street. She also underlined the benefits that community grants could have, such as supporting meals for young people. She described Marlborough as place where community organisations could thrive and noted that she had helped to set up Marlborough Community Support Forum.

 

Cllr James Sheppard explained that the division he represented, Aldbourne and Ramsbury, was made up of medium sized and small villages. He focused on the challenges in rural areas, such as housing and road safety. He was pleased to highlight that Wiltshire Police had issued a far higher number of speeding tickets in recent years. He also emphasised the importance of mental health support for farmers and the need for community engagement to support them, such as a Saturday Club.

 

The SEPM noted that he would be interested in following up what could be done to support mental health of farmers and noted that he had some connections at the cattle market.

8:15pm

30.

Appointments and Terms of Reference

To appoint a lead member to the Avebury World Heritage Site Steering Committee, as set out in the attached report, and to consider appointing lead members to the roles of Area Board Environment Lead and Youth Lead.

 

To note the terms of reference of the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group and the Health and Wellbeing Group.

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman invited the Area Board to discuss its priorities for the forthcoming year and to make an appointment to its outside body, the Avebury World Heritage Site Steering Committee. They were also asked to note the terms of reference of the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).

 

During the discussion, the Chairman suggested that she continue as the Area Board’s representative on its outside body, as the organisation was in the process of making changes to its committee. Cllr James Sheppard noted that he supported the suggestion and that he would be keen for future opportunities for collaboration.

 

Cllr Sheppard stated that he would be happy to take on the environment as a priority area. The Chairman highlighted that she would be keen to keep her role supporting health and wellbeing and the Vice-Chairman explained that she was keen to take on the priority area supporting young people.

 

On the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, it was resolved to make the:

 

Decision

 

To appoint Cllr Sheppard as the Area Board’s environment lead.

 

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

 

Decision

 

To appoint the Chairman as the Area Board’s lead member for health and wellbeing and as its representative on Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group.

 

On the proposal of Cllr Sheppard, seconded by the Vice Chairman, it was resolved to make the:

 

Decision

 

To appoint the Chairman as the Area Board’s representative on the Avebury World Heritage Site Steering Committee.

 

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

 

Decision

 

To note the terms of reference of the LHFIG as set out in pages 79 to 82 of the agenda.

8:20pm

31.

Wiltshire Council and Voluntary and Community and Social Enterprise Sector (VCSE) Framework

To note the work being done to strengthen the partnership between Wiltshire Council and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.  Local organisations are encouraged to read the report and to complete our survey and feedback any information they would like to on how Wiltshire Council and the sector work together.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM), Andrew Jack, updated the Area Board on efforts to strengthen the partnership between Wiltshire Council and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector. The new framework aimed to increase awareness and understanding of different roles and consider how different groups could work together as effectively as possible. Local organisations were encouraged to complete the survey and provide feedback. The SEPM would ensure that further information was circulated. 

8:25pm

32.

Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG)

To receive a brief verbal update from the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group meeting held on 22 May. There are no financial recommendations requiring approval. Details of recently approved financial information can be found under Item 12 of the previous ordinary meeting.  

 

Further information about the LHFIG process can be found here.

Minutes:

The Vice-Chairman gave a brief verbal update about the discussions from the previous meeting of the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG), held on 22 May 2025. She explained that no financial decisions had been made at the meeting. The Chairman noted that further information about the projects was available in the agenda of the previous ordinary Area Board meeting, available online.   

8:35pm

33.

Grant Applications

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

 

Remaining Budgets:

 

Community Area Grant

Older & Vulnerable

Young People

£15,718

£7,700

£16,453

 

 

 

Community Area Grants:

 

Ref/Link

Grant Details

Amount Requested

ABG2295

Winterbourne Monkton Community Hall – kitchen refurbishment

£925

ABG2322

Jubilee Centre Marlborough – new kitchen refurbishment

£5,000

ABG2324

Marlborough Community Orchard (through Transition Marlborough) – interpretive signage

£3,000

 

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

 

Ref/Link

Grant Details

Amount Requested

ABG2323

Marlborough Area Poverty Action Group – summer outings

£1,568

 

 

Delegated Funding

 

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

 

·       ABG2276 – Marlborough Area Youth Forum were awarded £643

·       ABG2238 – The Merchant’s House Marlborough Trust were awarded £500 towards visitor experience improvements

·       ABG2259 – The Jubilee Centre was awarded £500 towards kitchen equipment refurbishment

 

 

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

 

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Area Board noted the budgets remaining for allocation at the meeting and the Chairman invited members to consider implementing a guideline capping each Community Area Grant application to £3,000, as they had done in recent years.

 

During the discussion, the Area Board noted that they had smaller capital budgets than many Boards with larger populations and were keen to support a variety of projects. On the proposal of the Vice-Chairman, seconded by Cllr Sheppard, it was then resolved to make the:

 

Decision

 

To introduce a guideline capping each capital grant application to £3,000.

 

Reason - To ensure that the Area Board was able to consider applications from a larger number of projects and manage its budget throughout the financial year.

 

The Area Board then heard from representatives in attendance who gave a brief overview of, and answered questions about, their projects.

 

Community Area Grants:

 

Winterbourne Monkton Community Hall Requesting £925 Towards a Kitchen Refurbishment

 

Andrew George-Perutz spoke in support of the project, explaining that the hall was well used, and the money would provide improved facilities such as a dishwasher.

 

On the proposal of Cllr James Sheppard, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, it was resolved to make the.

 

 

Decision

 

To award Winterbourne Monkton Village Hall £925 towards a kitchen refurbishment.

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria 2025/26.

 

 

The Jubilee Centre Marlborough Requesting £5,000 Towards a Kitchen Refurbishment

 

The Chairman did not speak, or vote, on the application.

 

Ann Hancock from the Jubilee Centre spoke in support of the project explaining that they provided food for vulnerable adults at their day centre.

 

 

On the proposal of Cllr Sheppard, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, it was resolved to make the.

 

 

Decision

 

To award the Jubilee Centre £3,000 towards a kitchen refurbishment.

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria 2025/26. The Area Board had set a guideline restricting each capital application to £3,000.

 

 

Marlborough Community Orchard (Through Transition Marlborough) Requesting £3,000 Towards Interpretive Signage

 

Milly from the Community Orchard spoke in support of the project, stating that the funding would help to raise awareness about which planting in the town was part of the project. In response to a query about the longevity of the new signage, it was explained that they were expected to last at least seven to 10 years but longer with maintenance.

 

On the proposal of the Vice-Chairman, seconded by the Chairman, it was resolved to make the.

 

Decision

 

To award Marlborough Community Orchard, through Transition Marlborough, £3,000 towards interpretive signage.

 

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grant Criteria 2025/26.

 

 

Older & Vulnerable Adults Grants:

 

Marlborough Area Poverty Action Group, Requesting £1,568 Towards Summer Outings

 

The applicant spoke in support of the project, explaining that 45 adults had benefitted from the trips over the previous year.

 

During the discussion, the Area Board welcomed that adults, as well as children would benefit and stated that they would welcome broader outreach in future. In response to a query about how demand would be managed,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

Open Questions

The Chairman will invite any remaining questions.

Minutes:

There were none.

 

35.

Urgent items

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

Minutes:

There were no urgent items.

9:00pm

36.

Close and Future Meeting Dates

Future meeting dates (starting at 7.00pm):

 

·       30 September 2025 – Marlborough Town Hall

·       18 November 2025 – Mildenhall (Minal) Village Hall

·       10 February 2026

 

For information on applying for a grant or grant application deadlines for these meetings, contact andrew.jack@wiltshire.gov.uk or alexa.davies@wiltshire.gov.uk.

Minutes:

Future meeting dates were confirmed as:

 

7:00 – 9:00pm with networking from 6.30pm

 

·       30 September 2025 – Marlborough Town Hall

·       18 November 2025 – Mildenhall Village Hall

·       10 February 2026

 

Meeting details, agendas and minutes can be viewed here.