Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Melksham Divisional Police HQ grants themed meeting.

Apologies were received from Cllr Mark Griffiths, Chris Petty – Melksham Town Council and Mike Mills – Melksham Without Parish Council.

Cllr Jon Hubbard gave apologies for arriving late to the meeting.

Councillors are requested to declare any personal or prejudicial interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations of interest.

Decision

• That the minutes of the meeting on the 8 February 2012 were approved and signed as a correct record.

The Wiltshire Councillors considered three applications seeking 2011/12 Community Area Grant Funding.

Community Grants Scheme

Decision

Melksham Adventure Centre were awarded £1215 towards upgrading the kitchen.

Reason

Would perhaps attract more other groups to use the centre.

Decision

Melksham CAP were awarded £500 for a project called Melksham Offers promote shopping in the town centre. 

Reason

This application demonstrates a link to the Melksham community plan – ‘enhancing pride of Melksham area’ and ‘celebrate and strengthen identity – marketing campaign for Melksham’.

Decision

Melksham CAP were £106.80 for the purchase of a Volunteer Opportunities Board to Melksham library.  

Reason

This application demonstrates a link to the Melksham community plan by increasing volunteering opportunities for young people and the unemployed.

Councillor Initiated Projects

Cllr Petty – awarded £2,735.50 on behalf of Melksham Defibrillators to enable members of the public to save lives in the event of cardiac arrest, there are currently no defibrillators in the Melksham area.

Cllr Hubbard – awarded £1,800 on behalf of Street based youth work in King George V Playing Fields, the reduction of anti social behaviour in King George V Playing Fields, Melksham.

 It was agreed that that young people involved in the application would come to a future Area Board meeting to feedback on the work had had been carried out.

Karen Reid - Children and Families Social Care, Wiltshire Council and Jan Wicks – Transformation Team, Wiltshire Council the proposals for the use of 50 Spa Road, Melksham as a dedicated support centre for looked after children and young people.

A report was included as part of the agenda pack.

Members agreed that this was an excellent project.

Decision

·         That the Melksham Area Board notes the report as contained in page 29 of the 26 March 2012 agenda pack.

Lord Lieutenant’s Event and Diamond Jubilee Events

The Chairman outlined  where Melksham Area Board were in regards to the

costs of underwriting the cost of providing a medium jousting tent (£500 plus transport/staffing) at the Lord Lieutenant’s Event on the 1 May 2012.

A local Bow maker and Cooper Avon Tyres, who would be bringing a racing car had confirmed their attendance at the event, it was hoped that a local brewer would be able to attend.

Cllr Eaton Asked if local exhibitors could be reimbursed for travelling expenses if they took part in the event.

Decision

·         That the Melksham Area Board would under write £500 for the costs of the Jousting tent plus the cost of  transport and staffing, this money would be allocated from the 2012/13 Area Board budget.

·         That the Melksham Area Board would fund up to £200 to reimburse exhibitors  for travelling expenses if they took part in the event, this money would be allocated from the 2012/13 Area Board budget.

Members also discussed ways of quickly funding small grants for local community groups who were looking to hold Diamond Jubilee celebration events.

Decision

·         That the Melksham Area Board would delegate to the Community Area Manager grant funding powers under the “Small Grants Scheme” for applications up to £350 for one off  Diamond Jubilee events.

·         These “Small Grant” applications would be considered at the Melksham Area Board ABC meeting on the 30 April 2012, in consultation with the Area Board members.

The Chairman thanked the Community Area Manager for her hard work in organising the Diamond Jubilee events.

Weds 4 April 2012 – Melksham United Church* (Older People’s Special 2-4pm).

Weds 6 June 2012 – Steeple Ashton Village Hall.

The Chairman thanked everybody for attending the meeting.