Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from:

·       Cllr Richard Budden had sent apologies due to a flat tyre. However, Cllr Budden did make it to the latter part of the meeting.

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

In relation to Item 7 the Netherhampton Pitches and Pavilion Community Asset Transfer, Cllrs Nabil Najjar, Pauline Church and Bridget Wayman declared for transparency that they knew one of the applicants who happened to be an officer at Wiltshire Council, however there was no personal relationship. As this did not constitute a disclosable interest they remained in the room and took part in the discussion and vote on the item.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 28 June 2023.

The minutes of the last meeting were presented.

It was;

Resolved:

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 June 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman will make any announcements and give any updates on any non-priority outcomes and actions arising from previous meetings of the Area Board.

The Chairman announced that the Area Board would be hosting an ‘All things roads’ event on Wednesday 8 November at 6.30pm. The likely location would be the Nadder Centre, however this was still to be confirmed.

The Chairman also highlighted the Local Plan review and the importance of responding to the consultation, which was running from Wednesday 27 September 2023 to Wednesday 22 November 2023. Further details could be seen in the written update under Information Items.

The Board is asked to note the following Information items:

·       Community First

·       Update from BSW together (Integrated Care System)

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Wiltshire Local Plan Review

o   Update on the Council’s activity and progress on the Climate Emergency - https://youtu.be/LP2FzC7rHSw

o   Wiltshire Life Awards 2024

The Chairman referred the meeting to the written information items in the agenda pack and encouraged people to look at those items.

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service – Station Manager Nic Courtice

·       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Kevin Harmsworth

·       Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) – Philip Wilkinson OBE

·       Wiltshire Police Chief Constable – Catherine Roper

·       Salisbury Hospital / NHS Foundation Trust - Tony Mears (Associate Director of Strategy)

·       Wiltshire and Swindon Prepared Resilience Event – update from Cllr George Jeans

The Board received the following verbal updates:

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), District Commander Mark Hillier

District Commander Mark Hillier was in attendance to represent the DWFRS rather than Station Manager Nic Courtice as stated on the agenda, Mr Hillier was the new DWFRS representative for the South West Wiltshire Area Board. The DWFRS written update could be found in agenda supplement 2. The service undertook a lot of work on prevention, particularly aimed at those considered most at risk. This was mainly undertaken through their Safe and Well visits. Anyone interested in fire safety should get in touch and further details could be found at https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/. The service was also undertaking business fire safety checks.

Recruitment was ongoing, further details could be found at https://www.dwfire.org.uk/working-for-us/on-call-firefighters/.

Incidents with E-bikes and E-scooters were highlighted, in relation to risks with the batteries failing or ‘exploding’ when being charged, which could rapidly lead to a fire. The advice was to not leave them charging unattended, particularly overnight. Full details could be found here: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home/causes-of-fires/e-bikes-and-e-scooters/.

There had not been any spike in incidents, however there had been a fire in an old commercial building in Tisbury.

·       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Kevin Harmsworth

Inspector Harmsworth gave updates for the Warminster and Salisbury Community Policing Teams (CPTs) who covered the South West Wiltshire community area. Written updates were also included in the agenda.

There had been incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in Alderbury and Longhedge and the police were working with partners to try to reduce these. Rural crime was a priority, for example hare coursing. Non dwelling burglaries and relay thefts (keyless car thefts) had reduced, however there had been a spate of burglaries in Broad Chalke. The police were conducting patrols and investigating thoroughly. They were also encouraging preventative measures such as using faraday pouches which can prevent thieves from cloning a car key's signal.

Off road motorbikes had been an issue in St Peter’s Place and Bemerton Heath and this had reduced, however it seemed like the issue may have moved to Harnham. The police were supporting Community Speed Watch (CSW) in conjunction with Road Safety teams. Street drinkers and ASB in Salisbury city centre were an issue, however it had reduced. There was a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place, and a further PSPO was planned.

In Mere and Tisbury road safety was a prevalent theme. In recent weeks 5 drink drivers had been arrested. Some of these incidents seemed to be related to the football club, so licensing was being looked at as well. Attendees were encouraged to check police social media for updates from the road safety team on enforcement. ASB and criminal damage had been an issue in Mere and communities were encouraged to report such incidents. A male had been arrested at the ‘End of the Road’ festival in Tollard Royal for supplying controlled drugs. A misuse of drugs act warrant had been enacted in Mere to deal with the production  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

To consider the Netherhampton Pitches and Pavilion Community Asset Transfer.

At the Chairman’s invitation, Karen Linaker, Strategic Engagements and Partnerships Manager (SEPM) introduced the item.

The SEPM explained that Community Asset Transfers (CATs) occurred when a community group wanted to take over the management and maintenance of Wiltshire Council facilities which they had been using for a long time. The CAT scheme existed to facilitate this. There were two community groups involved in the CAT application being considered and they would form one group to manage the facility. The Area Board had a duty to consider the application and approve or refuse it as they saw fit.

The applicants then spoke to the application.

James Repper of the Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew RFC explained that the club had been formed in 1991 and had been playing on the Netherhampton pitches since the year 2000 at least. The club had not previously been able to get grant funding as they had no security of tenure. At present, Wiltshire Council were responsible for maintenance of the site and the club used it as tenants. Therefore, by joining with Salisbury FC Youth to form the Netherhampton Sports Association they would be able to take the asset forward and run with it. They had requested a 25 year lease, as that was the minimum term that would enable them to apply for grant funding. The club managing the site would also take the costs of maintenance away from Wiltshire Council. 

Paul Corfield of Salisbury FC Youth also spoke to the application. He explained that there was so much funding that they were currently unable to get. The club had applied for the Home Advantage programme, and if the asset transfer went through, this meant that they would be able to get £250,000 from the Football Council. That would enable them to do everything required and provide some ongoing funds for the club. There were nearly 300 Children in the club, and they also coached an additional 60-70 children as well as helping to coach children for two schools in the local area.

Daniel Gleeson (Leisure Strategy Infrastructure Officer) stated that all the details were contained within the agenda report and appendices. It was highlighted that the site was seen as key within the FA Local Facilities Plan and was also a site of interest and a target site for the current Wiltshire Playing Pitch Strategy. This was currently being reviewed and it was thought that it would be a strategic target within the new plan. It fit well with the Local Plan Review when looking at housing growth and the strain on local supporting infrastructure. Sport England had also listed the site to be protected as playing fields for the community.

The Chairman stated that this was not a decision which the Area Board would take lightly. They had sought professional opinions and had spent a lot of time prior to the meeting analysing the application as they wanted to ensure they made the right decision for both Wiltshire Council and for the community.

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

Linda Nunn (Cranborne Chase AONB Director) to deliver a presentation on the Cranborne Chase AONB: International Dark-Sky Reserve.

Unfortunately, Linda Nunn, Cranborne Chase AONB Director, was unable to attend the meeting and therefore sent apologies. It was hoped that the presentation would come to a future meeting.

To receive updates on the Area Board priorities.

Karen Linaker, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM) gave an update on the Area Board Priorities.

The Area Board priorities were:

·       Supporting the local economy

·       Addressing environmental issues with the AONB

·       Community Safety

·       Older people and vulnerable adults health and wellbeing

·       Youth engagement

Particular points to note under the environmental priority were that the Big Green Week events had been delivered. The idea of an environment themed conference was being discussed.

Under the health and wellbeing priority the popular Celebrating Age programme continued. A special Christmas intergenerational event was planned for 12 December. The Area Board digital inclusion project was oversubscribed so new sessions were being planned.

Under youth engagement, the Board was continuing to support 20 youth clubs in partnership with the Mere based youth charity Seeds4Success. The potential for a new youth counselling initiative was being explored, to meet identified existing need.

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 6 September 2023, as set out in the attached report.

Recommendations for funding:

·       4f – Improvements to the Junction of Crow Lane and North Street Wilton – £656.25

·       4g – Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Junction of A30 and Fovant High Street – £1,684.69

·       4h – Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Fovant High Street – £1,833.37

·       4i – C12 Speed Limit Assessment – £2,175.00

·       4j – Donhead St. Andrew Kissing Gates – £237.00

Cllr Bridget Wayman gave an update on the Local Highways and Footpaths Improvement Group (LHFIG). The last meeting had been held on 6 September and the minutes were included in the agenda pack. It was noted that accidentally one recommendation in the minutes had not been updated. The omission was around the C55 Kilmington Speed Limit Assessment and Cllr Jean’s request that funding be allocated to allow the TRO work to progress. Due to the process for awarding LHFIG funding, that recommendation could not be approved at the Area Board meeting and instead would come to the next meeting.

Cllr Wayman proposed that the minutes of the LHFIG meeting be noted, and the funding recommendations approved. This was seconded by Cllr George Jeans.  It was,

Resolved:

·       To note the minutes of the LHFIG meeting which took place on 6 September 2023

·       To approve the following funding recommendations:

o   4f – Improvements to the Junction of Crow Lane and North Street, Wilton – £656.25

o   4g – Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Junction of A30 and Fovant High Street £1,684.69

o   4h – Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Fovant High Street – £1,833.37

o   4i – C12 Speed Limit Assessment – £2,175.00

o   4j – Donhead St. Andrew Kissing Gates – £237.00

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

Remaining Budgets:

Area Board Initiatives:

Community Area Grants:

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

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:

·       ABG1271 – The Langford Parish Hall, £234.18 towards their community kitchen.

·       ABG1121 – Mere Town Football Club, £968.88, towards MTFC youth equipment (Youth Grant)

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.

Area Board Initiatives:

·       South West Wiltshire Area Board Health And Wellbeing Group, £500 towards Celebrating Age Christmas Big Band Tea Party.

Cllr Richard Budden spoke in support of the application, however he highlighted that there had been concerns raised regarding how people would get to the Nadder Centre, where the event was scheduled to take place.

Members discussed the application and the possible transport issues, with Members stating support for the event and that they did not feel that the transport issues were a reason not to approve the application. There was time prior to the event to address issues and if required further funding could be provided to help.

Celebrating Age Wiltshire, who were also in attendance at the meeting, highlighted that this was a common issue that was usually overcome satisfactorily by the means of family support, car sharing, link schemes and sometimes care homes providing transport.

Cllr Geroge Jeans, seconded by Cllr Richard Budden proposed that the grant be awarded in full.

Decision

The South West Wiltshire Area Board Health And Wellbeing Group was awarded £500 towards the Celebrating Age Christmas Big Band Tea Party.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24

Community Area Grants

·       Semley Village Hall, £469 towards loft insulation to reduce energy use.

Dave Perry, a trustee of the hall spoke in support of the application.

Cllr George Jeans, seconded by Cllr Bridget Wayman, proposed that the grant be awarded in full.

Decision

The Semley Village Hall was awarded £469 towards loft insulation to reduce energy use.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24

·       Friends of Broad Chalke Playground, £5,000 towards upgrading the children’s playground.

The Chairman of Broad Chalke Parish Council spoke in support of the application on behalf of the Friends of Broad Chalke Playground as they had been unable to attend.

Councillors congratulated the group on the incredible amount of money they had raised towards the project.

Cllr Nabil Najjar, seconded by Cllr Bridget Wayman proposed that the grant be awarded in full.

Decision

Friends of Broad Chalke Playground was awarded £5,000 towards upgrading the children’s playground.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24

·       Broad Chalke Cricket Club, £2,500 towards non turf match pitch refurbishment.

Declan White, club secretary spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Nabil Najjar, seconded by Cllr Pauline Church proposed that the grant be awarded in full.

Decision

Broad Chalke Cricket Club was awarded £2,500 towards non turf match pitch refurbishment.

·       Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2023/24

Older and Vulnerable Adults Grants

·       Wiltshire Music Centre, £1,500 towards Celebrating Age Wiltshire.

Rebecca Seymour, Creative Director of Celebrating Age Wiltshire spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Richard Budden, as lead councillor for health and wellbeing, stated his support for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.