Agenda and minutes

To welcome those present to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Stonehenge Area Board and announced that the meeting was primarily a business meeting but there would still be the opportunity to cover any questions and topics attendees had.

 

To receive any apologies for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Kevin Daley.

 

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 2022 were presented for consideration and it was,

 

Resolved:

 

To approve and sign the minutes as a correct record.

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

The Chairman declared an ‘Other Registerable Interest’ in agenda item 9, specifically the Youth grant application for Durrington Youth Services, as he was a member of Durrington Town Council who the application was from. The Chairman confirmed that he would not take part in the final debate or vote on the application and that he would leave the room while it was considered.

 

Councillors Monica Devendran, Mark Verbinnen and Rob Yuill all declared a ‘Non Registerable Interest’ in agenda item 12, specifically the grant application from the Amesbury Men’s Shed, as this was match funded by Amesbury Town Council of which they were all members. This interest did not preclude involvement by the Members so they would still be able to take part in the debate and vote on the item.

 

Councillor Mark Verbinnen also declared an ‘Other Registerable Interest’ in the grant application from the Stonehenge Chamber of Trade under item 12, as he was Chairman of the Stonehenge Chamber of Trade. Councillor Verbinnen confirmed that he would not take part in the final debate or vote on the application and that he would leave the room while it was considered.

To receive the following announcements and information items through the Chairman:

 

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Community First

·       Family Help Hubs

·       Cost of Living update

·       Wiltshire Libraries supporting residents to stay online during cost of living crisis

·       King Charles III Coronation – Community Celebrations

·       Independent Visitor Scheme

The Chairman referred the meeting to the announcements included with the agenda pack and gave a brief summary of each one.

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

The Chairman invited partners, parishes and attendees to give updates or ask questions.

 

·       Wiltshire Police

Inspector Ricky Lee gave an update to the meeting and directed attendees to the written reports within the agenda. He highlighted that the Neighbourhood Policing Team was understaffed, as there were only 4 PSCO’s at the moment, when there should be 8.

 

Wiltshire Police were in an engaged phase following inspection by the HMRC and they were working hard to raise standards. A new chief constable, Catherine Roper, was in place. She had, had an illustrious career, with vast experience and wanted to work hard to resolve local issues.

 

A discussion took place regarding the areas covered by the Amesbury Police Teams.

 

Fittleton cum Haxton Parish Council requested that they receive written updates for their parish meetings, which the inspector confirmed he could arrange.

 

The Chairman highlighted a recent online meeting with the police where local priorities were discussed, which was very useful.

 

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS)

The DWFRS representative had sent apologies, therefore the Chairman directed attendees to the written update in the agenda.

 

·       Shrewton Parish Council

Shrewton Parish Council thanked the Area Board for grant funding from the Paths4All scheme, which had enabled them to install eleven information signs at locations of interest.

 

There were no questions from attendees.

To receive details on the Wiltshire Council proposal for Emergency Contact Hubs and their purpose.

The Chairman introduced the item, highlighting the written report in the agenda. He felt that this simple idea was a good one. The Wiltshire Council proposal was that in a serious emergency, for example a widescale power outage or loss of communications, Emergency Contact Hubs would be the place where people could go to get information and help. Emergency Services would also link into the hubs, so that information could be passed back and forth. Emergency Contact Hubs would be run by the community for the community.

 

Police Inspector Ricky Lee stated that he had recently taken part in an exercise called Mighty Oak, which had been managed by COBRA and involved role playing the total loss of power to the UK and how emergency services, local and central government and partners would deal with that. This had been a very interesting exercise and there were business continuity plans in place to manage a situation like that so that they could deliver an effective response.

 

The Chairman explained that the Wiltshire Council officers promoting the proposals had been unable to attend the area board meeting, but they could attend the next meeting to give a full presentation. Alternatively, the area might hold an engagement event around the idea so that it could be discussed thoroughly.

 

Shrewton Parish Council highlighted a situation that had occurred in Shrewton, following a serious storm when 3 out of the 4 mobile phone networks available there went down. Also, BT Openreach had made some changes which meant that during a power outage land line phones do not work. They felt that the subject warranted an engagement event. Inspector Lee highlighted our reliance on power and stated that he would be happy to attend and take part in any event.

 

To receive updates from Area Board Lead Councillors for each priority (where not covered by other agenda items).

The area board priorities of Health and Wellbeing and Young People were covered by other agenda items.

 

The area board priorities would be considered and confirmed at the next meeting.

To receive an update on youth activities and consider any applications for youth grants:

 

·       Durrington Youth Services, £5,000 towards Durrington Youth Services

·       The Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team CIC, £1,600 towards Amesbury Lords Walk youth activity days

 

Councillor Mark Verbinnen as lead area board councillor for youth, gave an update to the meeting. He had attended both Durrington School and Avon Valley College as part of his role. Avon Valley College were going to get a visit from the Red Devils which the young people were excited about.

 

There had been a Local Youth Network (LYN) meeting recently which was fairly well attended. Youth priorities were discussed and an idea that young people were really keen on was to see a return of the Beat the Streets scheme. The Councillor would look to see if it was possible to run this or a similar scheme in future in a cost-effective way.  

 

Councillor Verbinnen introduced the youth grant applications which had been discussed at the LYN meeting. Graeme Morrison, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM), highlighted the funding left available for youth grants, as there was not quite enough left to fund both applications in full. If Area Board Members were minded to approve the applications, the recommendation of the LYN was to reduce the amount awarded to each organisation by £76.41.

 

1.    Durrington Youth Services, £5,000 towards Durrington Youth Services.

 

Councillor Wright, speaking as a Durrington Town Councillor, gave details on the scheme.

 

After discussion, Councillor Mark Verbinnen, seconded by Councillor Rob Yuill, proposed to award £4,923.59 of the £5,000 requested to Durrington Youth Services. It was,

 

Resolved   

 

To grant Durrington Youth Services, £4,923.59 towards providing youth services.

 

Reason:

The grant application met the grant criteria for 2022/23. The lower amount than that requested was due to a shortfall in funds available.

 

2.    The Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team CIC, £1,600 towards Amesbury Lords Walk youth activity days.

 

A representative of the organisation spoke in support of the application and gave details on the scheme.

 

After discussion, Councillor Mark Verbinnen, seconded by Councillor Rob Yuill, proposed to award £1,523.59 of the £1,600 requested to the Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team CIC. It was,

 

Resolved   

 

To grant the Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team CIC, £1,523.59 towards Amesbury Lords Walk youth activity days.

 

Reason:

The grant application met the grant criteria for 2022/23. The lower amount than that requested was due to a shortfall in funds available.

 

To receive an update on the Health and Wellbeing group and consider any applications for Older and Vulnerable Adults grants:

 

·       The Lady Antrobus Trust, £990 towards The Hauntings at Antrobus House

·       Durrington and District Day Centre for the elderly, £1,000 towards Durrington Day Centre Friday Club

Councillor Monica Devendran, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Group gave an update to the meeting, highlighting recent and upcoming Health and Wellbeing events.

 

A successful and enjoyable Christmas concert had been held in conjunction with Celebrating Age Wiltshire, which about 110 people had attended. Councillor Devendran thanked everyone involved in supporting the event.

 

There would be a coffee afternoon taking place on 25 April at 3pm at Stonehenge School and anyone interested in attending could email Councillor Devendran (monica.devendran@wiltshire.gov.uk).

 

There would also be a Coronation Celebration Concert taking place on May 10, at 2.30pm at Antrobus House. There were limited seats available so anyone wishing to attend was advised to email Councillor Devendran or book a place at https://coronationcelebrationconcert.eventbrite.co.uk/ as soon as possible.

 

The importance of these events in promoting health and wellbeing and reducing isolation and loneliness was highlighted.

 

There would also be an event taking place on 28 April at 6pm at Christ the King School where residents could meet the Police and Crime Commissioner. Anyone interested could contact Councillor Devendran for more details.

 

Councillor Devendran introduced the grant applications for Older People and Vulnerable Adults funding.

 

1.    The Lady Antrobus Trust, £990 towards The Hauntings at Antrobus House.

 

A representative of the organisation spoke in support of the application.

 

After discussion, Councillor Devendran, seconded by Councillor Wright, proposed that the grant be awarded in full. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To grant the Lady Antrobus Trust, £990 towards The Hauntings at Antrobus House.

 

Reason:

The application met the grant criteria for 2022/23.

 

2.    Durrington and District Day Centre for the elderly, £1,000 towards Durrington Day Centre Friday Club.

 

A representative of the organisation spoke in support of the application.

 

Councillor Wright, seconded by Councillor Devendran proposed that the grant be awarded in full. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To grant the Durrington and District Day Centre for the elderly, £1,000 towards Durrington Day Centre Friday Club.

 

Reason:

The application met the grant criteria for 2022/23.

 

3.    Durrington Short Mat Bowls Club, £300 towards enhancement of equipment.

 

It was noted that this application was listed in the agenda as a Community Area Grant application, however, the application met the criteria for Older People and Vulnerable Adults funding, so would instead be considered as an application to that funding.

 

A representative of the organisation spoke in support of the application.

 

After discussion, Councillor Devendran, seconded by Councillor Wright, proposed that the grant be awarded in full. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To grant Durrington Short Mat Bowls Club, £300 towards enhancement of equipment.

 

Reason:

The application met the grant criteria for 2022/23.

 

 

To consider the update from the Local Highways and Footpaths Improvement Group (LHFIG) and approve any funding recommendations.

The Chairman referred the meeting to the LHFIG minutes within the agenda. There were no funding recommendations to approve on this occasion. The substantive bid for Shrewton had failed which was very disappointing. The Chairman highlighted that a rapid scrutiny exercise was to be undertaken on the LHFIG’s. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To note the discussions from the Stonehenge LHFIG meeting held on 1 February 2023.

To determine the applications for Community Area Grant funding:

 

·       Amesbury Mens Shed, £3,000 towards the Amesbury Mens Shed (Area Board Initiative)

·       Stonehenge inn Support Group, £1,500 towards AED for Durrington North West

·       Netheravon Community Speed Watch, £3,500 towards Speed Indicator Devices

·       Jubilee Committee, £1,500 towards a generator for community use

·       Durrington Short Mat Bowls Club, £300 towards enhancement of equipment

·       Stonehenge Chamber of Trade, £1,000 towards Stonehenge Chamber Community Initiatives

·       1^st Amesbury Scouts Group, £5,000 towards scout hut new WC’s

 

Councillor Rob Yuill introduced the Community Area Grant applications.

 

1.    Amesbury Men’s Shed, £3,000 towards the Amesbury Men’s Shed (Area Board Initiative)

 

The mayor of Amesbury Town Council spoke in support of the application, although he highlighted that the grant application was not from Amesbury Town Council

 

During discussion, Members stated that a committee for the Men’s Shed should be set up and documents relating to proposal should be sent through to the SEPM prior to any funds awarded being released.

 

Following discussion, Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Wright, proposed that the grant be awarded in full. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To grant Amesbury Men’s Shed, £3,000 towards the Amesbury Men’s Shed.

 

Reason:

The application met the grants criteria for 2022/23.

 

2.    Stonehenge inn Support Group, £1,500 towards AED for Durrington North West.

 

Following discussion, Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Wright, proposed that the grant be awarded in full. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To grant the Stonehenge inn Support Group, £1,500 towards AED for Durrington North West.

 

Reason:

The application met the grants criteria for 2022/23.

 

3.    Netheravon Community Speed Watch, £3,500 towards 2 Speed Indicator Devices.

 

During discussion, Members stated that documents relating to proposal should be sent through to the SEPM prior to any funds awarded being released.

 

Following discussion, Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Wright, proposed that the grant be awarded in full. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To grant Netheravon Community Speed Watch, £3,500 towards 2 Speed Indicator Devices.

 

Reason:

The application met the grants criteria for 2022/23

 

4.    Jubilee Committee, £1,500 towards a generator for community use.

 

A representative of the organisation spoke in support of their application, it was highlighted that the generator would be available for community use.

 

Following discussion, Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Wright, proposed that the grant be awarded in full. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To grant the Jubilee Committee, £1,500 towards a generator for community use.

 

Reason:

The application met the grants criteria for 2022/23

 

5.    Durrington Short Mat Bowls Club, £300 towards enhancement of equipment.

 

This grant was considered as an older people and vulnerable adults grant under the Health and Wellbeing Group item.

 

6.    Stonehenge Chamber of Trade, £1,000 towards Stonehenge Chamber Community Initiatives

 

A representative of the organisation spoke in support of the application.

 

Following discussion, Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Wright, proposed that the grant be awarded in full. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To grant the Stonehenge Chamber of Trade, £1,000 towards Stonehenge Chamber Community Initiatives.

 

Reason:

The application met the grants criteria for 2022/23

 

7.    1st Amesbury Scouts Group, £5,000 towards scout hut new WC’s

 

A representative of the organisation spoke in support of the application,

 

Following discussion, Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Verbinnen, proposed that the grant be awarded in full. It was,

 

Resolved:

 

To grant 1st Amesbury Scouts Group, £5,000 towards scout hut new WC’s.

 

Reason:

The application met the grants criteria for 2022/23

Any other items of business which the Chairman agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items.

The next meeting of the Stonehenge Area Board will be held on 8 June 2023.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Stonehenge Area Board would be held on 8 June 2023 at Durrington Town Hall. Which would be a good opportunity to see the new library there.

 

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending.