Agenda and minutes

The Chairman, Councillor Graham Payne, welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Trowbridge Area Board.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Ernie Clark, Cllr Dick Tonge and Cllr Horace Prickett.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 18 September 2014 and Thursday 16 October.

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 18 September and Thursday 16 October 2014 were agreed a correct record and signed by the Chairman on behalf of the Board.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

Car Parking Consultation - To consult with the Area Boards on the operation of Council owned car parks across Wiltshire.

 Car Parking Consultation – The Chairman raised the car parking consultation which would consult with Area Boards on the operation of Council owned car parks across Wiltshire. A short video was shown which discussed the savings of a cashless payment system, the availability of spaces and the income that was generated from parking. The Chairman raised the recent refurbishment of St Stephen’s place car park and the need for feedback on this issue.

Members discussed the Hilperton gap road and the proposed road closure. The previously agreed speed limit of 40mph was raised and the suggested change to 50mph was discussed. Cllr Oldrieve asked for a report at the next CATG meeting to answer the questions raised.

The ‘Christmas in Trowbridge’ booklet was circulated.

To note the written reports and receive any updates from the following:

      i.        Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)

    ii.        Wiltshire Police

   iii.        Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

   iv.        Trowbridge Community Area Future (TCAF)

    v.        Town and Parish Councils

   vi.        Youth Advisory Group (YAG).

i.              Wiltshire Police – a written update was provided and Officers were present to answer any questions.

ii.            Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office – Their community facing message was discussed and an update on crime in the local area was discussed. A facility to feed back information to Police Officers was raised, as well as information in regards to setting up Neighbourhood Watches. The Commissioner would like views on what actions would be suitable for the ‘Community Remedy’ scheme.

iii.           Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service – The Chairman stated that the proposed merger between Wiltshire & Swindon and Dorset had been agreed and the DCLG would now initiate the process of placing a paper before Parliament, which if approved, would allow the merger to take place. There would be continued work with Dorset and Wiltshire Councils, together with police and other key partners.

iv.           Trowbridge Community Area Future (TCAF) – A written update was noted and the Safer Places project was raised. TCAF funding would finish on 31 March 2015 but they were still being asked to commit to projects beyond this date.

v.            Town and Parish Councils:

Trowbridge Town Council – A written update was noted and the Museum Project was discussed. Cllr Oldrieve stated that this could be a significant project and a positive move for the Council. Members would potentially visit the museum in the future. It was heard that TTC had been involved in the pre-consultation for the car parking review. The consultation in regards to the Shires remained active.

Wiltshire Councillors appointed as representatives to Outside Bodies will report on any recent news, to include:

      i.        Transforming Trowbridge

    ii.        Collaborative Schools

   iii.        Trowbridge Shadow Community Operations Board.

The Board received updates from the following:

i.              Transforming Trowbridge – Tim Martienssen raised the resignation of the Chairman and stated that anyone who was interested in the post should contact him.

ii.            Collaborative Schools – A verbal update was provided and the Collaborative Schools website was raised. They were continuing to work to achieve their overall aim and were developing a scheme to employ apprentices. The possibility of a school based social worker was raised. The proposal for a free school in Trowbridge was discussed and face to face meetings with the DFE had taken place but were unsuccessful.

iii.           Trowbridge Shadow Community Operations Board – A report was circulated and a lack of detail in the Cabinet paper in regards to Trowbridge was raised. The Campus Programme was being seen as part of the wider regeneration of Trowbridge. The timescale for the development of the campus was raised. The development of the primary care centre was also discussed by Members.

a)    Community Area Grants

To consider the following applications:

The Big Community Grow - £2,000 requested to build a community garden in Trowbridge Park.

West Wilts Esprit Gymnastic Club - £3,000 requested for Club changing Room Upgrade and Fitness Suite.

b)    Councillor Led Project

Cllr Graham Payne - £1,750 requested for a ‘Pop Up Police Station’.

The Area Board considered the following applications to the Community Area Grant Scheme:

       i.        The Big Community Grow

The sum of £2,000 was requested to build a community garden in Trowbridge Park. The Board heard that the funding would be used for a mosaic, a shed and tools to be used in the community garden. The Chairman congratulated the Youth Parliamentarians on their presentation.

Decision

The Area Board awarded the sum of £2,000 to The Big Community Grow.

      ii.        West Wilts Esprit Gymnastics Club

The sum of £3,000 was requested to upgrade Club changing room and fitness facilities. The Head Coach of the Club discussed the need for improved facilities as their current provisions were not viable.

Decision

The Area Board awarded the sum of £3,000 to the West Wilts Esprit Gymnastic Club.

Councillor led Initiative – Cllr Payne – Pop Up Police Station

The Area Board was asked to consider a Councillor led initiative. Cllr Payne discussed the need for Police Officers to be out in their communities and getting to know the local people. The Pop Up Police Station would be used in areas suffering from vehicle crime or anti-social behaviour but could also be used for events. The Chairman stated that this would be an opportunity for people to get to know their local team. This would be exclusively in the Trowbridge Community Area rather than being sourced from Devizes. No funding would be included from the Police. This would exclusively be for the Trowbridge Community Area. It was requested that Wiltshire Council’s branding would be clearly visible on the Station.

Decision

The Area Board approved the allocation of £1,750 for the provision of a Pop-Up Police Station.

Rachel Efemey, Community Area Manager & Siobainn Chaplin, Youth Service - Wiltshire Council will update on the Positive Activities for young people scheme and the role of the Area Board in managing the service

Rachel Efemey (Community Area Manager) and Siobainn Chaplin (Youth and Prevention), provided an update on the positive activities for young people scheme and the role of the Area Board in managing this service. The responsibilities of the Area Board in relation to their allocated annual budget were explained. This would be working in partnership with young people to meet the requirements of local people. The community led model in action was explained and reference was made to the Leader’s guidance. Final decisions on their activities would be made by the Area Board. The Board would have responsibility for safeguarding issues.

Community Youth Officers would be the key individuals in this project. The Local Youth Network was explained and the need for a community mapping survey was raised. There was currently no Community Youth Officer in post. The LYN management group would be made up of 10-12 members and young people would play a central role. It was requested that those who wished to be involved contact Siobainn Chaplin. Two elements of funding were discussed, both grants and procurement. A hard copy detailing the funding could be circulated. The maximum advised grant was £5,000 but the Area Board could go beyond this amount if necessary. The Area Board decision making process was discussed in association with the LYN but the final decision would be with Members.

Cllr Helen Osborn raised concerns in regards to safeguarding and the need to for training. Members discussed the need to protect the vulnerable in a drop in centre and need to help those sleeping in the park at night. It was explained that the toolkit – that had been circulated to Members - referred to safeguarding measures. Vulnerable people would be asked what positive activities they needed for their personal and social development. The need to look after the vulnerable who could no longer return to their parental home was raised.

The role of Barnardo’s was discussed and it was explained that they would provide provision for those with disability and/or SEN.

Decision:

1.    TonotetheLeadersGuidanceforPositive  Activities andTermsof ReferenceforLocalYouthNetworks.

2.     In line with our approach with community area grants in respect of urgent  matters that may arise from time to time between meetings that the Community Area Manager and Interim Community Youth Officer, in    consultation with the Chairman & Vice Chairman plus 2 other Members of Trowbridge Area Board be granted delegated authority to approve expenditure not exceeding £500 from the youth budget which will be recorded at the next available Area Board meeting.

Danny Geeson, Sports Development Officer, Wiltshire Council, will inform the meeting about this project for young people in Studley Green

Danny Geeson (Sports Development Officer) informed the Board in regards to this project for young people in Studley Green. A background to Street Games was provided and it was explained that they work with disadvantaged communities. Their rationale was to increase sports participation amongst all sectors of the community and to address inequalities. Three clubs were active across Wiltshire with a three year funding application to Sport England.

Opportunities for young people were explained and it was intended that young people would be empowered. They would be supported to take part in the sports coaching and the Street Games national festival was discussed. Young volunteers had the opportunity to attend the Commonwealth Games.

‘Wiltshire Xtreme’ was discussed which offered alternative sports, as well as Wiltshire Skate Series which was run by a volunteer committee. There was also a Bath Rugby experience available to those who were involved.

Partners involved in the project, including TTC, Selwood Housing and Sporting Family Change.

It was explained that the Bath Rugby Foundation had gone through managerial changes and no longer had capacity to deliver on the project but the relationship with the project remains.

Decision:

The Board noted the project as an ISA priority.

Vicky Richardson, Physical Activities Coordinator, Wiltshire Council, will give information about this project

Information was provided in regards to the Shine Child Weight Management Project. Background to Shine and their focus on a physical activity component was raised. Their work targeted young people but also included family activities. It was heard that this would help families provide a better diet for their child but also focused on confidence issues and how to deal with bullying. Activities included swimming, traditional school yard games and walking. Trowbridge was the first place in the County to receive this project. Two years funding from public health had been received. Support from those in attendance was requested and leaflets were circulated.

Kevin Hunt (JLL) is to discuss Cradle Bridge (the former Peter Black Site) with the Board.

Kevin Hunt (JLL) and Paul Baker (JLL) discussed ‘Cradle Bridge’ - the former Peter Black Site - with the Board. A background and planning context was provided and a public consultation event was held on 30 October 2014. Preliminary discussions with planning officers had been held. The site constraints that JLL were facing were raised, including underground utilities and the site proportions. An ecology belt on the River Biss was also raised. It was explained that this was a brown field site and the design concept was displayed to the Board.

Retail units were discussed, which would include Marks & Spencer and a Toby Carvery. There would also be 150 car parking spaces and it was heard that there was very strong public support for this development.

Members asked questions as to the nature of the other retail units but Mr Hunt was unable to specify who would be operating there. JLL intended to submit the planning application before Christmas.

It was heard that the relevant Cabinet Member would be contacted in regards to a timescale for the development of the site.

The Board hoped that there would be no delay in this application’s progress.

Tom Ward , Public Protection Officer Community Safety, Wiltshire Council will update the meeting on the results of the Trowbridge Perceptions Survey and the proposed action plan arising from the results of the survey  

Tom Ward (Public Protection Officer) provided an update to the Board on the results of the Trowbridge Perception Survey and the proposed action plan arising from the results. The survey was born out of the ‘What Matters to You’ survey. It was heard that crime levels in the town were falling but perceptions were still a concern relative to other towns in the County.

Quantative findings were discussed of how safe people felt at home, in the street and in their neighbourhood. Ways of making people feel safer in the Town Centre after dark were raised. It was heard that people felt safer due to the development at St. Stephen’s Place.

The influence of social media and local press in reporting ASB and crime in Trowbridge was discussed.

Qualitative findings were discussed which considered residential estates, Roundstone Street, Innox Road underpass and the Town Park. It was asked what could be done to improve the town and a quarter of all respondents asked for a greater police presence. A working group would look at drinking in public in the town and would work with off-licenses.

It was heard that the media had a strong impact on public perception and that there was a total of 63 key actions which would be worked through.

David Baker, Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce & Trowbridge Town Team, will discuss the promotion of the town over the Christmas period.

David Baker (Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce & Trowbridge Town Team) discussed the promotion of the town over the Christmas period. Green hats for Christmas were raised for promotion for the town but unfortunately this is no longer going ahead; the cost of transporting the hats from China was too expensive. Ten thousand ‘Discover Trowbridge at Christmas 2014’ booklets had been produced and circulated.

PeterBinleyandCllrWhitehead will hear views from the meeting and update on the scheme.

Peter Binley (Head of Highways Asset Management) provided an update on street lighting in Trowbridge and answered questions that arose. The cost of street lighting annually in Trowbridge was stated at £170,000 and these were estimated to rise due to energy costs. Dark areas were discussed and lights had been switched back on to prevent this from happening. Anti-social behaviour issues were raised and street lighting had been switched back on in these areas. The large cost of LED street lights was stated and it was explained that these may be used in the future.

The Board had the opportunity to ask questions of Peter in relation to the changes made to Street Lighting. The need to improve people’s perceptions of safety had to be balanced with the need to save money.

The Board gave thanks to Peter for his prompt response.

Unfortunately, Cllr Tonge is no longer able to attend this meeting - Councillor Dick Tonge will talk about his responsibilities for Finance, Performance, Risk, Procurement and Welfare Reform.

Cllr Dick Tonge sent apologies as he was unable to attend.

The Chairman will take any items of urgent business.

The meeting is asked to note the future meeting dates below.

The Chairman raised a grant application for Larkrise Community Farm that would be discussed at an additional area board meeting as it had not been received in time to be considered at this meeting.

Cllr Jeff Osborn requested that the Area Board should lobby to get Charterhouse as the new Dementia Assessment Unit.

The Chairman closed the meeting.