Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from:

• Councillor Dr Mark McClelland
• Mark Tucker – Director ICT (allocated to the Board)

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2024 (as attached).

The minutes of the last meeting were presented.

It was;

Resolved:

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2024 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

In relation to Item 9, Area Board Funding - application from Salisbury Rugby Club, Cllr Paul Sample declared an Other Registerable Interest (ORI) due to his position as Vice President at the Salisbury Rugby Club. As set out in the Code of Conduct, Cllr Sample withdrew from his capacity as a Councillor and did not take part in any discussion or vote on the matter.

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

The Chairman noted that an update on the Salisbury Transportation Strategy funding and list of scheme requests the Board had compiled had been received earlier that day. This update would be discussed further under item 11 – LHFIG.

The Board is asked to note the following Information items:

·       Community First

·       Update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Cost of Living

The Board noted the Information Items as set out in the agenda pack, these were:

• Community First
• Update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System)
• Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal
• Wiltshire Council Information Items: Cost of Living

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Underpasses working group update – Cllr Hocking

·       Environment Action Group –Cllr Hocking

Note: Speakers are reminded that they each have a 3 minute slot, unless they have previously discussed alternative arrangements with the Chairman

Written Updates

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

·       City Hall (to follow)

·       Salisbury City Council (SCC)

·       Neighbourhood Policing Team & Road Safety Updates

·       Fire & Rescue: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service

·       Salisbury BID – website link

Keep up to date with the latest news and alerts in your area by signing up to the Police Community Messaging service – www.wiltsmessaging.co.uk

Follow your NPT on social media

• Salisbury Police Facebook

• Salisbury Police Twitter

The Board noted the written updates in the agenda and supplement 2. In addition to updates published with the agenda, a Wiltshire Police Violence Against Women and Girls quarterly report – Autumn 2024 is attached to the minutes for information.

The Board also received the following verbal updates:

Underpasses working group update – Cllr Hocking

A series of photographs were shown, depicting the recent underpasses painting project, which took the total completed to 3. Thanks were given to the Board for funding the project and to all involved in completing the work.

A meeting with National Highways had taken place to establish areas of responsibility in relation to the subways, with a request for additional measures to increase users’ safety. The Group aimed to produce a document which would set out the responsibilities of all authorities.

Environment Action Group –Cllr Hocking

The recent Flood Preparedness event at Guildhall on 19 November 2024 had been well attended.

The Group had recently received a presentation from Salisbury Reds bus company and had looked at options for sensor monitoring equipment. The LCWIP had also been published and would be considered in due course. 

To receive an update from the Police & Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson OBE, with Inspector Tina Osborn in attendance.

Followed by an opportunity for questions.

The Police & Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson OBE provided an overview of current work and priorities, the main points included:

·       An inspection on the strategic processes had been graded as outstanding.

·       There was a planning processes to deliver what was needed.

·       Antisocial Behaviour was down 16%, Domestic abuse was down 13%, and Violence in crime was down 13%

·       The Salisbury Community area had more speed awareness tickets and speeding fines issued than the whole of Swindon and Wiltshire for 2022.

·       SID data collated from parish councils was used to target hot areas.

·       The force was the second lowest in terms of funding per population.  Philip had been working to change the national Police funding formular.

·       An increase in funding was required to cover NI contributions and there was a degree of uncertainty regarding long term funding.

·       The Police & Crime Plan had been approved by the Police & Crime Panel.

·       Two main areas for focus were Retail crime and Rural crime. 

·       Hare coursing in rural areas had become big business, with sessions livestreamed to other countries for betting purposes.

·       An increase in van break ins and tool theft around Salisbury had occurred over the last 2 months.

·       There had been improvements on call centre 999 & 101 response times.

·       Large investment in a new IT system.

·       Much greater reinforced NHPT with more officers on the beat.

·       The NPT had established partnerships with local retailers, to be more effective in stopping retail crime.

·       Working to replicate the Salisbury BID model in Swindon town centre.

Inspector Tina Osborn from the Neighbourhood Policing Team and Perry Payne from the Wiltshire & Swindon Road Safety Partnership were also in attendance to respond to any questions.

Questions and comments included:

Thanks were given to the Officers who had worked to support the recent Novichok enquiry. 

Answer: There had been weekly cyberattacks during the investigation, with attempts to penetrate police systems.

Would there be another round of the Safer Street’s funding?

Answer: Whilst in London last week, Philip had an opportunity to ask the question on future funding. if there was no more funding then there would be a problem.

Could you provide an update on the plans for a new police station?

Answer: The whole process was frustrating and there had been many delays and hurdles to contend with. Out of the two options currently on the table, Old Sarum, had been progressing, however there was now a new level of planning which needed a biodiversity inspection, leading to a restart on negotiations. The Highpost site was refused by Planning.

Regarding a feeling of safety – if you had dealings with National Highways, could you ask them to progress the repairs in the underpasses.

Answer: Perry Payne was introduced, as he was currently liaising with National Highways to devise a more comprehensive solution where necessary.

There was an ongoing issue in Lower Bemerton, with professional drivers of HGV’s who regularly broke the law.  Contact had been made to the companies of the repeat offenders, but the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

A presentation on the Community Conversations initiative.

Speaker: Adele Owens, Transformation Consultant

Adele Owens, Community Conversations Lead, supported by Meski Bond of Wiltshire Council and Sam, a local resident involved with the project, provided an overview of the initiative which was taking place on Bemerton Heath and other areas around Wiltshire.

Community Conversations was born in autumn 2022. It was about having conversations with those in neighbourhoods, understanding living conditions and seeing what could be done to provide support to local groups and activities.

Sam was involved with the Bemerton Bright Ideas Community Panel, which met to look at ideas for projects. Residents were able to take part in the decisions on things that impact them.

The Brothers of Bemerton was a men’s mental health page on Facebook, set up by Sam which had 75k followers. The page offered monthly engagement with around 3.5k people.

Sam also acted as a trustee for Wiltshire Community Independent Living and was a tenant member on Wiltshire Council’s Housing Board.

Some of the projects included the beautiful Bemerton project, a community garden, and the creation of a Neighbourhood watch group. The project had also been supported by Officers at SCC.

In addition, after listening to the residents on what was needed. A minibus was arranged to run from Bemerton to the Aldi food store, to enable residents to shop for affordable food. An additional bus route was also added to include coverage for St Peters Place.

The group were discussing the regeneration of a Street watch initiative, to reintroduce the former Street watch scheme which ran for 10 year and played a part in reducing crime. 

Action – Feedback the request for a Street Watch Initiative to Inspector Osborn for further discussion.

Comments and Questions included:

The Area Board supported the initiative and the amazing projects which had started and were progressing.

Was there the likelihood of this sort of work in other areas?

Answer: There was another Officer who was dealing with other pockets of deprived areas; however it was about packaging up the key principles and approaches and enabling others to take the work on in other areas.

There was support from the Leader of the Council on rolling this out to other areas. It was great to see that finally, this was being approached in the right way, by supporting the residents to come forward and tell us what they want and setting them up to lead on the projects themselves.

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 Grants:

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

Young People Grants:

Delegated Funding

There have been no funding awards made under the Delegated Funding Process, by the Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager, between meetings.

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

The Board noted the budgets remaining for allocation at the meeting and heard from representatives in attendance who gave a brief overview of their project followed by any questions by the Board.

Older & Vulnerable Adults Grants:

Sounds Better 2022 CIC - Sounds Better Singing for Parkinsons - requested £1,000.

The Applicant Liv McLennan, spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Corbin moved the motion to award in full. This was seconded by Cllr Sample.

Decision

Sounds Better 2022 CIC was awarded £1,000 towards the Sounds Better Singing for Parkinsons project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

MUSE SW CIC – Yoga for all, requested £475

The Applicant Jane Eble, spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Sample moved the motion to award in full. This was seconded by Cllr Corbin.

Decision

MUSE SW CIC was awarded £475 towards the Yoga for all project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

Young People Grants:

Apprenticeships in Salisbury trading under Supplytrain CIC - Salisbury 2025 Apprenticeships & Early Careers Directory, requested £500

The Applicant Catherine Short, spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Rogers moved the motion to award in full. This was seconded by Cllr Hocking.

Decision

Apprenticeships in Salisbury trading under Supplytrain CIC was awarded £500 towards the Salisbury 2025 Apprenticeships & Early Careers Directory project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

Salisbury Rugby Club, Free coaching after school to girls in

years 7-12, requested £4452.83

After making a declaration of Interest Councillor Paul Sample withdrew from his capacity as a Councillor and did not take part in any discussion or vote on the matter.

Karlene Jammeh, spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Corbin moved the motion to award the recommendation of the youth panel. This was seconded by Cllr Hocking.

Decision

Salisbury Rugby Club was awarded £4,000 towards Free coaching after school to girls in years 7-12.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

Rise 61 - Open access drop ins for young people on Bemerton Heath, requested £4950.

The Applicant Joe Deal spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Rogers moved the motion to award the recommendation of the youth panel. This was seconded by Cllr Corbin.

Decision

Rise 61 was awarded £3,000 towards the Open access drop ins for young people on Bemerton Heath project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

Community Area Grants:

St Marks Church, Barrington Centre Heaters, requested £993.60

The Applicant Jo King spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Hocking moved the motion to award in full. This was seconded by Cllr McGrath.

Decision

St Marks Church was awarded £993.60 towards the Barrington Centre Heaters project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

Delegated Funding:

There had been no funding awards made under the Delegated Funding Process, by the Strategic Engagement & Partnership Manager, between meetings.

Information links: Area Board Grants &  Grants Criteria

To receive updates from Lead Members on the Area Board Priorities:

·       Youth engagement, employment and positive activity opportunities - Cllr Ricky Rogers

·       Addressing climate change - Cllr Sven Hocking

·       Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing - Cllr Caroline Corbin

·       Supporting under represented groups - Cllr Caroline Corbin

·       Improving transport and access - Cllr Sven Hocking

The Board received updates from the Lead Members and Karlene Jammeh, Engagement & Partnership Lead, on the Area Board Priorities:

Youth engagement, employment and positive activity opportunities - Cllr Ricky Rogers

•        Continue to support the Salisbury Youth Forum of partners and to set up and develop a Safe Spaces network – “The YOU Network”

•        Develop the AB youth grants panel in partnership with St Joseph’s School

•        Practical support in 2024/25 for young people’s mental wellbeing

•        Practical support that facilitates access to career development

Addressing climate change - Cllr Sven Hocking

•        Salisbury Flood Preparedness event in the Guild Hall – Nov 2024

•        Support the City Council and partners to strengthen Salisbury’s Flood Plan

•        Achieve up to date position regarding air pollution

•        Monitor outputs of Transportation Strategy and LCWIP in achieving modal shift, joining with community initiatives to support this

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing – Cllr Caroline Corbin

·       Support engagement activities and initiatives with Safer and Supportive Salisbury

·       Continue to support the Salisbury Area Board’s Carer’s Champion and Older People’s Champion in promotion of the Silver Salisbury Programme

·       To support dementia support groups and activities

·       Improve access to healthcare – Develop new digital support sessions for accessing online

Supporting underrepresented groups - Cllr Caroline Corbin

Date for the diary - Tue 4 March 2025 – 11 – 2.30pm at St Thomas’ church – disability themed speakers.

·       Lead the 'Foodie' network of local partners

·       Support all cultural-based community groups/projects to develop opportunities for support

·       Support the community conversations project in Bemerton Heath

·       Design, deliver and lead a disability themed engagement event

Improving transport and access - Cllr Sven Hocking

·       Co-ordinate the Underpasses Working Group to support improvements, inc community artwork initiatives

LHFIG Recommendations

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 19 September 2024, as set out in the attached report.

Recommendations:

• 4a – Hawksridge Pedestrian Warning Signs – £210
• 4e – Cecil Terrace Tarmac Ramp - £400

Milford Mill Road Traffic Concerns

To discuss local concerns regarding HGV and speed of vehicular traffic.

Further information on the LHFIG process can be found here.

Salisbury Transport Strategy Funding

The Chairman had received an update relating to approved funding for some of the schemes submitted to be progressed. A list of approved projects were circulated at the meeting.

The remaining requests would continue to be progressed by the LHFIG and future updates on this would be brought to the Area Board.

Members discussed the update and praised the positive news. A request for this to become a standing item on future agendas was supported by the Board, as was the request to establish the amount of remaining funding in the sTS budget for the other schemes.

Action: - Report back remaining STS budget and add as a standing item on future agendas.

LHFIG

The Board considered the report and funding recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 19 September 2024.

It was;

Resolved:

To approve the LHFIG funding recommendations to the following schemes:

• 4a – Hawksridge Pedestrian Warning Signs – £210
• 4e – Cecil Terrace Tarmac Ramp - £400

Milford Mill Road Traffic Concerns

Cllr McGrath presented context to the issue and an overview of the local concerns regarding HGV and speed of vehicular traffic along Milford Mill Road.

This issue had previously been to LHFIG for consideration. Since that time, National Highways had confirmed that any traffic calming measures on A36 would now not start for at least 10 years. This news meant that the issues along Milford Mill Road (MMR) would continue for the next 10 years until something was done about the A36.

Following resident reports of danger along the road to get access properties and the unsuitable of the bridges for HGVs, Cllr McGrath asked the Board for its support in exploring the matter further. He stated that the time for gathering evidence had passed, and that a solution was now expected. 

A member of the Milford Area Preservation Group (MAPG) also spoke on the issue.  The issues were highlighted as the unsuitability of the old marching road for modern day HGV access and the huge volumes of speeding traffic which were reported as being a danger to the residents living along MMR.

We need action now.

The Chairman of Salisbury LHFIG, Cllr Corbin expressed her understanding of the issues reported and noted the Road Safety Partnership Officer’s offer for people to make direct contact with him regarding individual road safety issues.

Cllr Corbin noted the extent of traffic calming measures which had been implemented along MMR.

The Board discussed the request for progressing the issue back through LHFIG and supported the approach, with the addition of a pre-meeting to be held to discuss options available and establish local input.

Members requested that at MMR straddled two community areas, that the LHFIG officer for the Southern Wiltshire community area and the local Area Board Member for Southern Wiltshire Area Board be included in the invite.

The Board noted the history of the ancient packway and suggested that a ban on HGV vehicles should be put to the LHFIG Officer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.