Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence. However, it was noted that Cllr Kevin Daley may be slightly late, due to a parish council meeting clash.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 8 June 2023.

The minutes of the last meeting were presented.

It was;

Resolved:

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 June 2023 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 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 information items within the agenda pack.

In addition, the Chairman stated that further details on the Wiltshire Local Plan Review would be given later in the meeting.

Furthermore, the Chairman announced that the Older People and Vulnerable Adults grants would be taken early, following the Chairman’s announcements.

The Chairman gave details regarding an event he had attended that morning, at the Gul equine assisted and outdoor therapy centre in Shrewton. The Chairman had been present to represent the Area Board, and the Dutchess of Edinburgh had also attended the centre to view the work undertaken there. The Dutchess had been very friendly to staff, attendees and volunteers and had even recognised one of the late Queen Elizabeth’s old horses who now resided there.

Open floor session with updates from partners, parishes and free flow discussion.

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service – District Commander Chris Wood

·       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Ricky Lee

·       Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner – John Derryman (Head of Strategy, Performance and Oversight)

·       Town and Parish Councils

The Board received the following verbal updates:

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS).

District Commander Mark Hillier was in attendance to represent the DWFRS rather than Station Manager Chris Wood as stated on the agenda. The DWFRS written update could be found in agenda supplement 1. 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/.

Building works were underway at Amesbury Fire Station. The station would soon be fully crewed during the day, and on call fire fighters would cover the night.

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/.

The representative also announced that very sadly one of the Amesbury fire fighters, Dean Hardy, had passed away suddenly at his home in August. The entire service was shocked and saddened, and thoughts went out to his family.

Incidents of interest were stated to include a large fire in flats in Sandell Place in Amesbury and a collision on the A303 were very sadly an 11 year old boy lost his life.

In response to questions regarding the recent fire at Sandell Place, the representative stated that the fire was being treated as deliberate and started in a rubbish heap. However, the investigation was ongoing and therefore he could not comment further on the matter. 

·       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Ricky Lee

Inspector Lee had been unable to attend so there was no update from the police, other than the written update in the agenda pack.

·       Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner – Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson (OBE)

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) gave an update regarding where the force where in terms of getting out of special measures and the ‘engage’ process, and on the Police and Crime Plan which he produced 2 years ago based on the concerns of residents. The PCC’s role was to hold the Police Constable to account.

The PCC detailed how, when he was elected, the force contained some great police officers, however it had been led by Committee, with around 40 boards. He was very robust in his challenges in terms of the huge improvements needed. Then, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) inspection took place, the results of which led to the force being put into special measures, reinforcing his observations and enabling him to push harder for improvements. The PCC stated that he would never stop pushing for improvement, even when the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To receive updates from lead councillors for the local Area Board priorities (where not covered by other agenda items).

The Stonehenge Area Board Priorities are:

·       Supporting health and wellbeing (Cllr Monica Devendran) – covered later in agenda

·       Supporting young people (Cllr Mark Verbinnen) – covered later in agenda

·       Our environment (Cllr Rob Yuill & Cllr Kevin Daley)

·       Parish engagement (Cllr Graham Wright & Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling)

·       Addressing social and economic deprivation (covered over all priorities / All Cllrs)

Our environment

Cllr Graham Wright gave an update on the Wiltshire Climate Strategy, which was adopted in February 2022.

The council were on the path to carbon neutral (net zero) and would try to achieve this by 2030.

Transport

·       The council had installed 10 replacement and 6 brand new Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points.  Most of the fast-charging units would be replaced by mid-2023.

·       Town and Parish Councils had applied for grant funding to install public EV charging infrastructure in their communities. 

Sustrans and Wiltshire Council Schools Project.

·       These helped to explore transport and climate change and helped schools to develop an Active Travel Plan.

·       A toolkit for all Wiltshire schools had been available since July.

·       A film had been created by Sustrans and school students.

Climate Action Planning for local councils

·       Several events had taken place, including a workshop on 27 March 2023, and a follow up event on 17 May 2023.

·       An ongoing network was being developed to share learning and progress. Communication was key.

Solar Together

·       The Solar Together scheme was highlighted with approximately 700 installations in 2022.

·       Residents, community organisations and businesses could sign up to by solar panels, the volume of customers would lead to a bulk buy discount for all.

·       Another Solar Together scheme had been launched in June 2023.

Attendees were encouraged to look at the Wiltshire Council climate webpages for further information https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/climate-change.

Community Engagement

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling gave an update on how the board was engaging with the community, in particular in relation to the Wiltshire Local Plan Review consultation.

It was explained that the Local Plan was a document which governed all decisions related to planning. It was a large document which contained numerous policies. Cllr Blair-Pilling suggested that anyone with an interest in housing, protecting the environment, biodiversity and many more housing related issues should look at the draft Local Plan. It was a vitally important policy document which would shape Wiltshire’s future for 15 years to come. Wiltshire Council would soon be consulting on the draft Local Plan. The consultation would open on Wednesday 27 September 2023 and run to Wednesday 22 November 2023. The council was holding various drop in events and a webinar (see pages 43 – 45 of the agenda for details) and there was information available on the website: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/8037/The-Local-Plan-review.

As part of their community engagement, the Area Board also wanted to hold presentation events for people in the area. Cllrs could explain in detail what the process was, what the plan consists of and to highlight principal themes such as affordable housing and biodiversity. It was noted that the event would not be a debate, as this was not the time to express views, that was what the consultation was for. However, it would help to ensure that everyone had an understanding of the plan and the process involved. Cllrs advocated that as many people as possible attended and then take part in the consultation in order to ensure their views  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To receive an update on youth activities from Cllr Verbinnen.

There were no applications for youth grant funding. The remaining budget is £12,414 so please get in touch with either Graeme.Morrison@wiltshire.gov.uk or karlene.jammeh@wiltshire.gov.uk if you would like to apply for a youth grant.

Cllr Mark Verbinnen gave an update as Area Board lead on supporting young people.

A LYN meeting had been held on 7 September 2023, which was well attended, and a good discussion was had about activities local youth groups had undertaken over the summer.

Prior to the summer holidays an event had been held at the Avon Valley Academy, where the Red Devils (British Army Parachute Display Team) parachuted in, this was really successful and enjoyed by all. Whilst there the children were surveyed on what they wanted, and the results of the surveys would be analysed.

There were no applications for youth grant funding, so Cllr Verbinnen encouraged youth groups to apply for funding.

Cllr Wright also detailed a free, fun event, for children aged 11 and over, which would be taking place on Tuesday 10 October 2023, from 5pm to 8pm at the Durrington Recreation Ground. The event would include Zorb’s, cooking, henna tattoos, sports, arts and crafts, with free hot dogs and drinks.  

To receive an update on the Health and Wellbeing group from Cllr Dr Monica Devendran and consider any applications for Older and Vulnerable Adults grants.

Remaining Budgets:

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

Grant report and further details included under agenda item 10, Community Area Grants.

Cllr Monica Devendran, as the Area Board Health and Wellbeing lead gave an update to the meeting.

The next Health and Wellbeing group meeting would take place on 28 September.

The group were also hoping to hold another Christmas Concert in partnership with Celebrating Age. Last years event had been very successful and details for this years event would be available soon. Depending on demand it was possible that 2 events would be held.

Cllr Devendran introduced the applications for Older People and Vulnerable Adults Grants (these were taken earlier in the meeting after Chairman’s announcements).

·       Silver Salisbury Group, Silver Stonehenge intergenerational reminiscence project requested £500.00.

Irene Kholer of Silver Salisbury, spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Monica Devendran proposed that the grant be awarded in full, this was seconded by Cllr Robert Yuill.

Decision

Silver Salisbury Group was awarded £500.00 towards their Silver Stonehenge intergenerational reminiscence project.

Reason - The application met the Older People and Vulnerable Adults Grants Criteria 2023/24.

·       Wiltshire Music Centre, Celebrating Age project, requested £1,500.00.

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

Cllr Monica Devendran proposed that the grant be awarded in full, this was seconded by Cllr Graham Wright.

Decision

Wiltshire Music Centre was awarded £1,500.00 towards their Celebrating Age project.

Reason -The application met the Older People and Vulnerable Adults Grants Criteria 2023/24.

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 16 August 2023, as set out in the attached report.

Recommendations:

Note: Amounts to be approved in bold text

·       1-22-14 Amesbury Salisbury Street signage review (LHFIG £0, Amesbury TC £1100)

·       1-23-2 Beverley Hills Park entrance dropped kerbs Amesbury (LHFIG £2275, Amesbury TC £725)

·       1-23-3 Stonehenge Road Amesbury SLA (LHFIG £2175, Amesbury TC £725)

·       1-23-4 Holders Road Amesbury school signs (LHFIG £750, Amesbury TC £250)

·       1-23-5 Trinity grain LTD Shrewton Signs (LHFIG £0, Trinity Grain £1100)

·       Batch 002 Waiting restrictions batch 2023/2024 (LHFIG £7000)

·       1-23-7 Kilford Close Streetname plates Amesbury (LHFIG £1125, Amesbury £375)

·       1-22-16 Figheldean sign and lining improvements (LHFIG £2175, Figheldean £725)

·       1-23-15 Pedestrian crossing assessment Larkhill (LHFIG £2175, Durrington TC £725)

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 16 August 2023.

On the proposal of Cllr Graham Wright, seconded by Cllr Monica Devendran, it was;

Resolved:

To note the discussions of the Stonehenge LHFIG meeting held on 16 August 2023.

To approve the LHFIG funding recommendations to the following schemes:

·       1-22-14 Amesbury Salisbury Street signage review, £0

·       1-23-2 Beverley Hills Park entrance dropped kerbs Amesbury, £2275

·       1-23-3 Stonehenge Road Amesbury SLA, £2175

·       1-23-4 Holders Road Amesbury school signs £750

·       1-23-5 Trinity grain LTD Shrewton Signs £0

·       Batch 002 Waiting restrictions batch 2023/2024 £7000

·       1-23-7 Kilford Close Streetname plates Amesbury £1125

·       1-22-16 Figheldean sign and lining improvements £2175

·       1-23-15 Pedestrian crossing assessment Larkhill £2175

Cllr Graham Wright and Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling gave an update on the speed limit trial that would take place in Netheravon. A speed assessment had been undertaken, as residents wanted the speed limit reduced from 50mph to 40mph. The response from experts stated that people do not slow down when speed limits are reduced, and this was one of the reasons why the change was refused. The Netheravon Parish Clerk questioned this and with the support of Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling it had been arranged that Netheravon would undertake a trial reduction in speed limit from 50mph to 40mph. This would be monitored for a year to see if it was effective. The Transport Regulation Orders had been completed and the new 40mph signage would be installed hopefully in the first week of November. In order to monitor the trial, there was a new Community Speed Watch (CSW) team in Netheravon. Three Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) had been purchased and would be installed when the correct positions were identified. The data from these would be downloaded. The police would also undertake some speed checks. Netheravon Parish Council were keen to support the trial and Cllrs would follow the trial with interest.

To consider the applications for Community Area Grant funding.

Remaining Budgets:

Community Area Grants:

Cllr Robert Yuill introduced the Community Area Grant applications. 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 or comments by the Board.

·       Community Transport South Wiltshire, Amesbury HOPPA Community Bus Engine Replacement, £2,500.

A representative from Community Transport South Wiltshire spoke in support of their application.

Cllr Yuill commented that the service was very well regarded.

Cllr Yuill proposed that the grant be awarded in full, this was seconded by Cllr Graham Wright.

Decision

Community Transport South Wiltshire was awarded £2,500 towards Amesbury HOPPA Community Bus Engine Replacement.

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

·       The South Newton and Stoford Community Speed Watch (CSW) Team, purchase of Speed Indicator Device, £1,404.

Steve Black, co-ordinator of the CSW team spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Yuill, seconded by Cllr Kevin Daley, proposed that the grant be awarded in full.

Decision

The South Newton and Stoford Community Speed Watch (CSW) Team was awarded £1,404 towards the purchase of a Speed Indicator Device.

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

·       Woodford Village Hall, installation of infra-red heaters in Woodford Village Hall, £1,320.

Graham Parks, the building manager, spoke in support of the application.

Cllrs queried whether the hall was affiliated with the Parish Council. It was explained that although the Parish Council used the hall on occasion, they were a separate organisation and therefore were not affiliated.

Cllr Yuill, seconded by Cllr Wright, proposed that the grant be awarded in full.

Decision

Woodford Village Hall was awarded £1,320 towards the installation of infra-red heaters on Woodford Village Hall.

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