Agenda and minutes

The Chairman will welcome those present to the meeting.

A moment’s silence was held in tribute to the victims of the Brussels Attack on Tuesday 22 March 2016.

The Chairman then opened the meeting and invited the Councillors and Officers present to introduce themselves.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence had been received from the following:-

• Cllr James Sheppard
• Janette Bowra, Community Youth Officer
• Cllr Hannaford-Dobson, Malborough Town Council
• Sheila Glass, Ramsbury & Axford Parish Council
• Henry Oliver, North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Sheila Ashley, Alzheimer’s Support
• Andrew Williamson, Parish Council

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 26 January 2016.

Resolved

The minutes of the meeting on 26 January 2016 were approved as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chairman.

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

To receive any announcements from the Chairman.  

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

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

1. Wiltshire Police
2. Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
3. Healthwatch Wiltshire
4. Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)
5. MADT (Marlborough Area Development Trust)
6. Town / Parish Councils

a.     Wiltshire Police

The written update was included in the agenda pack. Inspector Nick Mawson was also in attendance to provide a verbal update.

It was reported that crime in the Marlborough area was very low, and any increase to levels of crime were being monitored. There had been a minor increase to dwelling burglary in last month, and Nick Mawson advised that it was important to continue reporting suspicious activity in the area to help keep the levels of crime down.

A query was raised regarding the Summer Solstice event and the level of involvement from Wiltshire Police. Nick Mawson advised that there were various proposals under review for Stonehenge, and the event was still at the planning stage at current. It was also reported that planning meetings were in progress, and confirmed that Wiltshire Police would continue to consult and engage with local Parish Councils and residents. 

b.    Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

No update.

c.     Healthwatch Wiltshire

The written update was included in the agenda pack.

d.    Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

The written update was included in the agenda pack.

e.     MADT (Marlborough Area Development Trust)

A member of the MADT was present and reported that the Free Community Wi-Fi project had been completed and a further 37 access points had been installed throughout the Marlborough Town. There were also a total of 10 access points in the Avebury Town, with 3 new access points installed.

It was further explained that MADT would be undertaking additional marketing, and would be issuing a quarterly newsletter in due course.

f.      Town/Parish Councils

No update.

James Cawley, Associate Director for Adult Care and Housing, will be in attendance to provide a presentation on the new Health and Wellbeing groups to be set up as sub-groups of area boards, their roles and that of the Older People’s Champion.

James Cawley, Associate Director for Adult Care and Housing, was in attendance to provide a presentation on the new Health and Wellbeing Groups (HWBG) which will be set up as sub-groups of the Area Boards.

James Cawley explained that Wiltshire Council were proposing that each of the Area Board Committee’s establish a HWBG to provide a community-led local forum to facilitate the coordination of joined up services for older people living within the area. It was explained that the HWBG would work with the Area Board, or smaller groups encompassing Parish Council representatives or local residents, to identify key issues and understand requirements at a local level.

It was reported that the funding previously used to commission the Good Neighbours Service would be devolved to Area Boards to support the local initiatives identified by their HWBG, and there was approximately £7,000 available for use. It was also explained that the HWBG would draw on local resources to generate support for local initiatives.

The membership of each of the HWBG would be decided by each respective Area Board and would work in partnership with the Community Engagement Manager.  It was explained that there would be no stipulation on who should be involved in this group, or how frequently the group should meet.

The Chairman noted of the significance of this, and proposed that a meeting be set up in May for individuals interested in joining the HWBG.

Resolved

For Andrew Jack, Community Engagement Manager, to coordinate a meeting for individuals interested in joining the Health and Wellbeing Group for the Marlborough Community Area.

Presentation from Action for River Kennet on their recent work and plans for the future.

Anna Forbes from Action for River Kennett (ARK) was in attendance to provide a presentation on their recent work and plans for the future.

Anna Forbes advised that ARK had formed in 1990 and comprised of a group of over 100 volunteers, including local people, tourists and visitors that were passionate about the River Kennet. It was further explained that the charity hosted various events throughout the year which included river walks and bat nights, and also campaigned to raise the profile of the river in planning and funding decisions which affects the quality and quantity of water in the river.

It was also explained that ARK were catchment hosts for the Kennet Catchment Partnership, which encompassed the whole of the River Kennet up to Reading in Berkshire. Anna Forbes then advised that the group host practical projects to actively improve the river and these included projects such as river fly monitoring, practical river restoration and litter picking. It was also noted that the charity were part of the river fly partnership, and were the first to discover a catastrophic pesticide pollution event in the River Kennet just in 2013. The group also aim to engage with local schools and work closely with local schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh award.

A concern was raised regarding flooding being caused by a reed bed that had been recently planted, and whether ARK were working with the residents to monitor this. Anna Forbes confirmed that it was a requirement for the charity to obtain consent from the Environmental Agency (EA) before progressing with projects, and the reeds would not increase the risk of flooding. ARK will continue to liaise with residents if they have any concerns.

Presentation from Transition Marlborough on their recent work, to include an update on the Air Quality Management public meeting.

Richard Pitts and Sam Page, Members of Transition Marlborough, were in attendance to provide a presentation on their recent work, along with an update following the Air Quality Management public meeting on 10 February 2016.

Sam Page introduced Transition Marlborough and explained that the group were a lobby group that aimed that aimed to focus on identifying sustainable local solutions for the Marlborough area.  The group also encompassed various groups such as Transition Film Club, Climate Group, Transport Group and Permaculture groups, and inactive groups for food and recycling. Each of the groups were introduced and a brief explanation given as to their aims and priorities. It was also noted that the Transition Film Club would host their first film event at the Bear Pub function room on 27 April 2016.

The Air Quality Management item was then introduced and it was explained that a public meeting took place to discuss potential improvements to the air quality in Marlborough. It was noted that a report had been prepared claiming that emissions were exceeding the safe limit in parts of Marlborough, and suggestions had been raised to reduce the emissions such as restricting heavy goods vehicles and creating a clean air zone; however these could not progress due to the fact that the A346 route was a primary route.

Cllr Whitehead, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, was in attendance and commented that the working group had recommended the solution to de-prime the A346 route, but this was not a cost effective solution. It was explained that various meetings had taken place with the Highways Agency and it had been suggested that improvements were made to the North South route, which in turn would pick up through traffic, and the solution to make improvements to the A350 – A149 link to M5 would have a larger positive impact on all roads of Wiltshire. The suggestion to de-prime the A346 route would cost approximately £250,000, and unless there was real justification to proceed with the solution Wiltshire Council would not take it forward. Wiltshire Council would work on the strategy to increase traffic on the A350, by dualling its whole length, which will improve the state of traffic on the A346. Cllr Whitehead advised that Wiltshire Council would work with the other County and partners to progress the solution and make the route work.

Members of the Area Board also confirmed that this would remain a priority and that the issue would be monitored to ensure progress was made. The Area Board would also work with Transition Marlborough to maintain momentum on this, and the Chairman requested an update to be brought back to the Area Board in six months’ time.

a)    Update on the Community Area Transport Group from Cllr James Sheppard.

b)    The Area Board will also be asked to ratify the Local Highways Investment Fund 2014 – 2020 as considered by the CATG at their meeting on 17 March 2016.

Andrew Jack, Community Engagement Manager, was in attendance to present the Community Area Transport Group (CATG) update, and referred to the presentation slides which outlined the main points from the CATG meeting on 17 March 2016.

The Local Highways Investment Fund 2014 – 2020 had been considered at the CATG meeting, and was brought to the Area Board for the Members to ratify. It was noted that members of the CATG were disappointed that the Parade, Marlborough, was not included within the proposed highways major maintenance 2016/17 list; however the CATG had been advised by the Highways Officer to accept the list and lobby for maintenance work to the Parade to proceed.

Cllr Whitehead commented that there had been an increase to machine patching which meant that resurfacing schemes would be pushed out this year, and it was recommended that the proposed major maintenance 2016/17 list was accepted and the comment passed back to CATG with regard to concerns about the Parade.

It was also noted that the CATG had been requested to nominate two local roads for HGV restriction which, after assessment, would be included within a county-wide list. The roads nominated were outlined as follows:-

1.     B3052 George Lane, Marlborough

2.     U/C road from Ogbourne Maizey to Rockley.

The recommendations for funding received from the CATG meeting on 17March 2016 were outlined and agreed.

Resolved

1.     To award the sum of £300.00 to implement new virtual footway at Ogbourne St George at slip road.

2.     To award the sum of £600.00 for new deer warning signage along A4 Marlborough to Hungerford – passed.

3.     To award the sum of £2,250 to move 30mph signage further out from Avebury village north along A4361.

4.     To agree the proposed Highways Major Maintenance 2016/17 list as outlined.

5.     To confirm the roads for HGV restriction as B3052 George Lane, Marlborough and U/C road from Ogbourne Maizey to Rockley as freight management priorities.

An update will be provided by Andrew Jack, Community Engagement Manager (CEM), for the Marlborough Community Area.

Andrew Jack, Community Engagement Manager (CEM), was in attendance to provide an update.

Andrew Jack advised that the Clean for the Queen scheme had taken place successfully with over 120 individuals involved. It was noted that Wiltshire Council could arrange for the collection of waste if required, and individuals could contact Andrew Jack directly to organise this.

It was also explained that the Marlborough Shop-Mobility Scheme was progressing well, and the scooters and wheelchairs had now been purchased. A Traders’ event took place on 16 March 2016, and the Grand Launch would take place on 5 April 2016. Andrew advised that the partnership were now in the process of looking for volunteers to support the scheme, and if there were individuals interested in volunteering, contact could be made with either Andrew Jack or the Marlborough Town Clerk directly. 

The Smoke-Free Playground project was then explained which had been set up to attempt to de-normalise smoking around children. There would be approximately 30 signs going up around the Marlborough area, and there were additional signs available for use which would be available from the Community Engagement Manager.

The Dementia-Friendly project was also explained which had been set up to raise awareness of dementia in the Marlborough town. The Dementia Awareness Week would take place from 15 to 22 May 2016, and it was noted that an awareness event would take place in the Marlborough Town Hall on 18 May 2016.

The Road to Rio Competition was also outlined where individuals or teams could sign up online and record how far they run, walk, cycle or swim to virtually trace their way around the Olympic cities on ‘Road to Rio’. The competition would take place from 04 June to 29 July 2016, and individuals or teams could acquire bronze, silver or gold awards from taking part. It was also noted that all of the Community Engagement Manager’s would be taking part in this event, and would be running or walking 150 miles on a treadmill at the Springfield Campus on 28 April 2016.

The Wiltshire Councillors will consider applications to the Community Area Grants Scheme, as follows:

a)    Little Dragons Pre-School have requested £700.00 for improvements to replace the fencing to the outside play area.

b)    Baydon Community Fireworks Committee have requested £930.00 towards an electronic firing board. 

c)     East Wilts Mencap Marlborough have requested £977.00 for a social event to Bristol Hippodrome Pantomime – Christmas 2016.

d)    Inside Out Club have requested £560.00 for new arts and crafts material.

The following Member led initiative will also be considered, as follows:-

a)    Cllr Stewart Dobson – Marlborough Tennis Club have requested £18,000 towards the creation of a new tennis clubhouse and courts.

Copies of the completed application forms and grant application packs for the

Community Area Grants Scheme are available from the Community Area

Manager or electronically at

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/areaboardscommunitygrantsscheme.htm

The Area Board considered four applications for Community Area Grant funding and one Member Led Initiative.  The Community Engagement Manager introduced each application, following which a representative of the applicant was given an opportunity to give a brief overview of their project to the Area Board.

The Member Led Initiative for the Marlborough Tennis Club was introduced and a representative of the club was in attendance to present the application. It was explained that the application for funding from the Area Board would be imperative towards the club being able to have their own facility. It was explained that the club would be open to all ages and would also provide an opportunity for children from the local schools and clubs to get involved. The club would also run various internal groups such as cardio tennis, and they would aim to be an inclusive club for all which would benefit a large section of the community.

The Chairman requested assurance that the asset would be open to the community for its entirety, and would not change into a Members only club after a period of time. The speaker assured Members of the Area Board that the club would remain an inclusive club which would be open to the whole community for its entirety.

It was explained that the club had previously raised funds for the new clubhouse and courts, and the funding from the Area Board would go towards the shortfall for these facilities. A query was raised regarding the club’s viability and it was explained that there had been interest from within the community already, and initiatives were being worked on to build a successful customer network to achieve a fully sustainable business. It was noted that the club would aim to reinvest any money raised back into the sport for free events and subsidised courses.

Resolved

a)    To award Little Dragons Pre-School £700.00 towards improvements to replace the fencing to the outside play area.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2015/16.

b)    To award Baydon Firework Committee £930.00 towards an electronic firing board.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2015/16.

c)    To awardEast Wilts Mencap Marlborough £977.00 for a social event to Bristol Hippodrome Pantomime - Christmas 2016.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2015/16.

d)    To award Inside Out Club £560.00 for new arts and crafts material.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2015/16.

e)    To award the sum of £11,820 to Marlborough Tennis Club towards the creation of a new tennis clubhouse and courts.

To provide an update on the Local Youth Network (LYN) and for the Area Board to consider applications for youth grant funding.

It was reported that there were no applications for Youth Funding.

Sasha Thorbek-Hooper, Chair of the Wider Local Youth Network, was in attendance to provide an update on the MY Music Festival in the absence of Jan Bowra, Community Youth Officer.

It was explained that there were currently two acts pencilled in for the event, and the young people of Marlborough had been asked to send in Youtube links of bands which would go to the Management Group for consideration. Sasha reported that grant funding had been received which would go towards the toilet facility for the event, and a logo and poster was also being created to publicise the festival. 

It was reported that the MY Festival would be an alcohol free event which would take place on 24 September 2016 between 2.00pm and 10.00pm at the Marlborough College playing field.

There were no other 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 Marlborough Area Board will be held on Tuesday 17 May 2016, 7.00pm at Marlborough Town Hall, 5 High St, Marlborough SN8 1AA.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their contribution to the meeting and noted that the next meeting of the Marlborough Area Board would be on Tuesday 17 May 2016, 7.00pm at Marlborough Town Hall, 5 High Street, Marlborough, SN8 1AA.