Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from:

• Councillor xxxx

There were no apologies.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 November 2024.

The minutes of the last meeting were presented.

It was;

Resolved:

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 November 2025 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.

There were no declarations of interest.

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

The Chairman gave the following updates on outcomes and actions since the last meeting:

Heart of Wessex

Since the last meeting confirmation had been received that the proposed Heart of Wessex combined mayoral authority would not be included within the Government’s devolution priority programme. As such, local elections will still be going ahead as originally planned on 1 May this year, and this would be the last business meeting of the Area Board before those elections. 

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council noted that following central government’s notification that all councils would become strategic mayoral authorities whether or not this was the preferred option, Wiltshire had formed a bid along with other rural areas similar to Wiltshire. He noted that a benefit of the mayoral authorities would be access to devolved funding and that Wiltshire would continue in discussions and that unitary elections in Wiltshire would be going ahead on 1 May 2025.

Other updates:

·       Youth Partnership Forum - A meeting had been held to discuss the focus of future work programme.

·       Area Board hosted a successful community celebration event at Longford Primary School, attended by approximately 100 people organised to celebrate the broad spectrum of diverse communities which enrich the life of this local school. 

·       Local volunteer, Maureen Atkinson was nominated for Winners of Wiltshire award and finished as one of the two runners-up. Maureen had been an active volunteer in the Bourne Valley for many decades, with lead roles in the Bourne Valley Link Scheme, on the Winterbourne Parish Council, a Glebe Hall Trustee and most recently the co-ordinator of the Glebe Hall regular café and warm space.

·       Celebrating Age would be hosting a Silent Disco on 25 March 2025 from 2pm, in Old Sarum and Longhenge – contact Nina Cope 07787524844 to book a place.

The Board is asked to note the following Information items:

·       Community First

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Cost of Living update

o   School Appeal Panel Member Recruitment

o   Wiltshire Local Elections 2025

o   Devolution to Wessex

o   Family & Community Learning Impact Report

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

• Community First

• Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

• Wiltshire Council Information Items:

Cost of Living update

School Appeal Panel Member Recruitment

Wiltshire Local Elections 2025

Devolution to Wessex

Family & Community Learning Impact Report

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Neighbourhood Policing Team – Inspector Tina Osborn

·       Parish Councils and Community groups

Written Updates

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

·       Police – NPT Update, Road Safety Report, Spot the signs campaign, VAWG quarterly update

·       Fire & Rescue – YouTube Video

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

Neighbourhood Police Team – Inspector Tina Osborn

In addition to the written update, Inspector Osborn provided a summary of recent operations and areas of focus:

There had been a series of van thefts across Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset. The team had worked closely with the other force’s CID to tackle a spate of similar crimes across all areas. A recent operation was successful in arresting 4 individuals who were interviewed in relation to approximately 120 offenses. A significant amount of property was recovered from their vehicles and properties.

Speed checks in Winterslow and Woodfalls had been carried out where there was a perception of speeding, with support for the work of the Community Speedwatch groups to continue.

Acted upon reports of vehicles being driven with no insurance.

School patrols had taken place to engage with parents, children and teachers.

Vehicles were ceased during an operation relate to immigration, after reports around delivery drivers. This would be repeated again in a couple of months.

During July and August there were a number of dwelling burglaries, resulting in 2 arrests and an ongoing investigation.

Questions

In relation to E bikes and antisocial behaviour, it seemed there was a spectrum of bikes from motorbikes to electric bicycles, how do we differentiate the term?

Answer: Really difficult to separate the types of vehicles. The electric scooters were illegal if on public land. As with any vehicle, an e-scooter needed to have plates and insurance if on the road. It was important to report issues with E-Bikes to us so that an officer can visit and do patrols. It was about the community reporting issues so we can build a picture and target areas.

I have seen 2 people on one scooter, and nothing has been done. If we report can we take photos of the riders?

Answer: If these incidents are not reported, its hard for us to target it or respond.  Please report and provide the location, time, date and description of the people on it. We can form a pattern of behaviour. Don’t put yourself in danger but if you can take a picture without them noticing then we do accept that,

A recent scam involved an elderly person being asked to write a cheque. This was circulated locally through the community and the person was able to get the cheque cancelled.

Answer: We work with Trading Standards and pass information to them when it is received and together we can target crimes like these.  

I am aware of an incident where people who test drove a car which was for sale, managed to clone the key and came back later to steal the car. Was there anything people could do to protect themselves from cloning?

Answer: The Faraday pouches were a deterrent, however the offenders use a device to clone the signal. Don’t leave your car keys by the front door as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Area Board is asked to consider updates on a range of local initiatives to facilitate active travel and sustainable transport.

The Board received presentations on local initiatives to facilitate active travel and sustainable transport.

Winterslow Cycle Network - Luke Rumsey

A presentation on the draft proposals for Phase 1 of the Winterslow Cycle Network with details of future phases and a request for support and guidance in moving forward with the project. 

•        Phase 1 - Connect Saxon Lees to the primary school and the shop

•        Phase 2 - Create a circular village route that includes Barry’s field (sports)

•        Phase 3 - Connect the village to routes that extend beyond the parish

Next steps – seeking guidance on how to progress:

• Timing for wider village engagement
• Which option is best
• Discussions with landowners
• What will the costs be
• Fund raising strategy

Landford Community Cycling Group - Robin Nelson

A presentation detailing stages the group had explored and aims for future progression.

·       A segregated cycle path was a nonstarter as scheme would be too expensive.

·       Looking at the main crossing points and improved safety.

·       Explored footpath upgrades.

·       Engaged with National Highways – to discuss the A36 on a long-term basis.

·       Part of the New Forest cycle working group.

·       Looking at a reduced speed limit through the village.

·       Third year the assisted cycling scheme which take residents of cedars care home out on adapted cycles.

·       Linked-up cycle routes with neighboring communities and in the New Forest

·       Looking at funding with New Forest National Park Authority

·       Receiving good advice from National Grid and Scottish and southern, as they have money to be used for grants. Match funding would be needed.

Amesbury to Salisbury Cycle Route Project – Cllr Rich Rogers

Wiltshire Council and local communities had an aspiration to create a predominantly traffic-free cycle route to link Salisbury and Stonehenge to:

• Provide leisure routes for cyclists, walkers and disabled people.
• Improve access to Salisbury and Amesbury for the residents of the Winterbournes.
• Improve access from Durrington and Larkhill to Amesbury.
• Provide commuter routes for employees at Porton Down, reducing traffic through the Winterbournes.
• Encourage more tourists to stay in the Salisbury area and to travel to Stonehenge by cycling rather than driving.
• Encourage tourists to explore the wider Stonehenge World Heritage Site, e.g. Woodhenge.
• UPDATE: The next step is for a decision to be made on which of the route alignments the council wished to take. Once a full route alignment had been agreed a topographical study would be commissioned, subject to funding. The survey would help inform any future design work.

Rowbarrow Farm – Cllr Rich Rogers

• Lease to RSPB completed with start date of 1 January 2025.  Habitat restoration activities commenced including nutrient stripping to enable chalk grassland establishment and the planting of wildflower seed plugs.
• The new permissive bridlewayhas been fenced off but the works required to do this created some muddy areas which need to be seeded before a planned official opening towards the end of May 2025.   This route would provide the only public access to the site.  Any other access will be controlled by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

An update from Karen Linaker, Strategic Engagement & Partnerships Manager on the Area Board Priorities, including the up-to-date position regarding the Local Youth Forum’s plan to raise funds for an increased youth worker resource for the Southern Wiltshire Community Area.

The Board noted the update from Karen Linaker, Strategic Engagement & Partnerships Manager on the Area Board Priorities, from 2021-2025. A video was also played which showed a summary of local projects and community groups which had been supported by Area Board whether with funding or other means of support during the last 4 years.

There had been £140,000 of overall grant spend, with 102 projects taking place and 2500 attendances at area board led meetings, events, and working groups including LHFIG.

Area Board led engagement events since 2021 included:

•        Eco friendly communities

•        Youth Pop Ups

•        Silent Discos

•        Techi Tea Parties

•        Celebrating Age

•        Volunteering Showcase

•        Community Groups Summer Social

•        Celebration of Culture

•        Highways Matters

Local Youth Forum

Started the Youth Partnership Forum in 2024. The Forum planned to raise funds for an increased youth worker resource for the Southern Wiltshire Community Area. The first 2 initiatives would be:

·       Youth music festival – Idea initiated by young people at Trafalgar School and given wide support through a range of recent youth related conversations.

·       Youth worker resource – aim to raise £25k each year over three years – 5 parishes had agreed to precept to part fund a post.

The Chairman noted that everyone at the meeting played a part in making a difference in their communities, he praised officers for their part in the delivery of all the schemes. 

Questions:

Cllr Z Clewer asked whether there was still an opportunity for additional parish councils to be involved with the initiative. 

Answer: Karen Linaker agreed to hold discussions with any interested parish council.

Following the Grants Item on the agenda, it was;

Resolved:

The Area Board agreed to:

1. Note this update report
2. Confirm support for the Youth Partnership Forum’s intention to raise funds for a new youth worker, ensuring this prioritises a strategy of financial sustainability for at least 3 years
3. Confirm support for the Youth Partnership Forum’s intention to raise funds for, design and deliver a youth music festival

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

Remaining Budgets:

Officer: Karen Linaker, Strategic Engagement & Partnerships Manager

Area Board Initiatives:

Community Area Grants:

Young People 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.

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.

Budgets available at this meeting

Community Area Grants £5,557.01

Older & Vulnerable Adults £835

Young People £11,373.10

Area Board Initiatives:

Carers Seaside Trip, requested £499

Karen Linaker spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Rich Rogers moved the motion to award in full, this was seconded by Cllr Richard Britton.

Decision

The Area Board Initiative - Carers Seaside Trip was awarded £499.

Reason – The application met the Older & Vulnerable Grants Criteria 2024/25

New Youth Worker for Southern Wiltshire community area, requested £5,000

Karen Linaker spoke in support of the project.

Questions and comments:

Cllr Oliver - If the other funds were not raised what would happen to the £5,000?

Answer: The awarded £5,000 would go back into the pot and we would need to look next year at reshaping the bid.

Cllr R Clewer - I have some concerns about the history of youth workrs under rural areas, when we were previously operating, the coverage in rural areas was low and more urban based. History had not demonstrated it worked very well. We need to understand what the genuine outreach for the young people was and PCs need to understand what coverage was available. I am keen that we map the evidence and we know what impact it was having.

Cllr Britton - This project had been in the works for 2 years and reviewed from all angles. There was clear evidence for the demand for improvement.

Cllr Richard Britton moved the motion to award in full, this was seconded by Cllr Ian McLennan.

Decision

Area Board Initiative - New Youth Worker for Southern Wiltshire community area was awarded £5,000.

Reason – The application met the Youth Grants Criteria 2024/25

Youth Music Festival Programme, requested £3,000

Karen Linaker spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Richard Clewer moved the motion to award in full, this was seconded by Cllr Zoe Clewer.

Decision

Area Board Initiative - Youth Music Festival Programme was awarded £3,000.

Reason – The application met the Youth Grants Criteria 2024/25

Carers Support Initiative, Everyman Cinema Trips, requested £336

Karen Linaker spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Rich Rogers moved the motion to award in full, this was seconded by Cllr Andy Oliver.

Decision

Area Board Initiative - Carers Support Initiative, Everyman Cinema Trips was awarded £336.

Reason – The application met the Older & Vulnerable Grants Criteria 2024/25

Community Area Grants:

4th Romsey Bramshaw Scout Group - Howard Chandler Scout Hut Roof, requested £5,000.

The representative had been unable to attend at the last minute, to answer questions.

Cllr Zoe Clewer – The project was only just within my division. Members had discussed whether it was right to support a maintenance project and asked whether the applicant had explored other funding alternatives.

Karen Linaker noted that the applicant had been exploring other funding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 14 January 2025, as set out in the attached report.

Items requiring a funding decision are:

·       4a – Riverbourne Road, Laverstock & Ford PC – Waiting Restrictions - £2998.50

·       4b – Windwhistle Lane, Grimstead PC – Sign and line review - £1500

·       4g – GRIM12 ROW, Grimstead PC – Kissing Gates - £300

Further information on the LHFIG process can be found here.

The Board considered the report and funding recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 14 January 2025.

Cllr Zoe Clewer asked whether there had been an update from the Highways Engineer regarding the latest programmed dates for planned carriageway and footway resurfacing works during the 2024/2025 financial year?

Answer: The update had not yet been provided.

Cllr Rich Rogers moved the motion to award funding as per the recommendations. This was seconded by Cllr Ian McLennan.

It was;

Resolved:

To approve the LHFIG funding recommendations to the following schemes:

·       4a – Riverbourne Road, Laverstock & Ford PC – Waiting Restrictions - £2998.50

·       4b – Windwhistle Lane, Grimstead PC – Sign and line review - £1500

·       4g – GRIM12 ROW, Grimstead PC – Kissing Gates - £300