Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for the meeting

Cllr Mark Verbinnen, Vice-Chairman, presided over the meeting as the Chairman had been unwell and although in attendance, was still recovering.

No apologies for absence had been received from Area Board Cllrs.

Apologies were received from regular attendees Fittleton cum Haxton Parish Council.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2024.

The minutes of the last meeting were presented for consideration, and it was,

Resolved:

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting on 28 November 2024 as a true and correct record.

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

Note: Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling has declared for clarity and transparency that due to his role as Cabinet Member for Communities and Area Boards, he has made a personal decision to abstain from any votes for funding applications considered by the Stonehenge Area Board.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling’s standing declaration of interest as noted on the agenda was confirmed. Due to his role as Cabinet Member for Communities and Area Boards, he had made a personal decision to abstain from any votes for funding applications considered by the Stonehenge Area Board.

There were no other declarations of interest.

The Chairman will give any updates or annoucnements.

Cllr Verbinnen stated that as this was the last Stonehenge Area Board of the 4 year municipal term, he wanted to say thank you to all the Area Board Cllrs, supporting officers, parishes and partners for all their hard work over the last 4 years.

Cllr Verbinnen also announced that the grants would be taken earlier than scheduled on the agenda, under the Health and Wellbeing Group agenda item.

The Board is asked to note the following Information items:

·       Community First

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

o   Cost of Living update

o   Devolution to Wessex update

o   Elections update

o   Highways dashboard of completed defects and potholes reported and repaired

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

·       Community First updates (pages 17 – 28)

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal: https://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/kse/  

o   Cost of Living update (page 29)

o   Devolution to Wessex update (pages 31 - 32)

o   Elections update (pages 33 - 34)

o   Family and Community Learning Impact Report (pages 35 - 60) – this had accidentally not been listed on the agenda

o   Highways dashboard of completed defects and potholes reported and repaired (pages 61 - 64)

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

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Gavin Brewster, Amesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT)

·       Town and Parish Councils – a chance for Town and Parish Councils to update

·       Open Floor – a chance for attendees to ask questions of the Area Board.

Written Updates

The Board is asked to note the following written or online updates:

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) online update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVJRnk705PM

The Area Board received updates from the following:

·       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Gavin Brewster, Amesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT)

Inspector Brewster advised that the previous Inspector, Ricky Lee, had been temporarily promoted to Chief Inspector, so he was covering the position and hoped that this would be for a while. 

The Inspector highlighted that burglaries were a priority for the force. Figures showed that they remained stable, and most of the issues were related to theft from outbuildings, such as garages and sheds, or were related to rural crime, such as theft of agricultural equipment and plant machinery.

Retail and Business crime was another priority with a focus to work more closely with businesses. A quarterly meeting had been set up with retailers to try to problem solve around regular offending such as theft and Anti Social Behaviour (ASB).

ASB in public spaces was also a priority. There had been a slight increase in ASB prior to the Inspectors arrival, which now seemed to have stabilised. However, there had been an incident the previous evening of ASB involving youths at the Kings Gate estate by the pavilion. This was on the teams’ radar, and they would focus some patrols in the area. In addition, some of the youths had been identified and the team would speak to their parents. Furthermore, the team would try to arrange for the mobile police station to attend the area so that the people could speak to them regarding their concerns. In Durrington and Larkhill there had been previous concerns regarding the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP). That situation had settled down. There had been a slight blip in ASB over the half term, but that was fairly standard. Avon Valley School had been extremely helpful, and assurances were given regarding the situation.

Rural crime was a priority, including issues such as poaching and hare coursing. A large operation had taken place to disrupt this. The police were working with the farmers and the military to try to prevent this. In addition, they were trying to prevent rouge Green Laning, (driving or riding on unsealed public roads or public rights of way), as issues were caused when people came out on mass and went off road as well. This was difficult to address, by the nature of the vehicles being used, such as quad bikes, motor bikes or 4x4’s.

An attendee reported incidents in Kings Gate where youths had been kicking doors and queried if the police were aware. They would try to get further details and forward that to the police. In addition, some residents parking in Kings Gate and Archers Gate could be an issue, as they were badly parked and could block access. This had happened previously, and a police leaflet door dropped to affected areas seemed to help. It was queried if this could be undertaken again. The Inspector stated that they could talk further outside of the meeting and that he would ask about actions which had previously been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive an update on youth work and activities in the Stonehenge Community Area.  

Cllr Verbinnen, as the Area Board lead member for youth, gave an update to the meeting. There had been no youth grants applications and there was very little funding left in the young people grant budget.

He thanked all the youth organisations who helped young people in the area and stated he had attended many events funded by the Area Board.

An organisation called Wiltshire Youth For Christ (YFC), had run some pop up youth events in the Stonehenge area, funded by the Area Board. At Cllr Verbinnen’s invitation, representatives of the group gave an update on the events and their work.

Fergus Stewart and Steve Dewar of Wiltshire YFC explained that about a year ago they had been approached by Wiltshire Council, Durrington Town Council and Shrewton Parish Council to run some pop up youth events in Durrington and Shrewton. YFC have a pop up youth café van, so they can deploy almost anywhere and serve hot drinks and snacks. The van also had video consoles and games equipment. Four pop up events were held on Durrington Rec which had been well attended and received, with upwards of about 50 people attending over the course of an event. Two pop up events were held on Shrewton Recwhich had also been well received if less well attended. They had been joined by partner organisations for some events, with the Wiltshire outdoor learning team providing activities like a climbing wall, axe throwing and archery. Jolly Jumpers had also provided a Zorb racing run. All of which were very popular. There had been great support from the local community and from the police and the events were very rewarding experiences.

Since the events there had been some reflection, as although the events had been very popular with families, this could mean that young people and teenagers would stay away, and it was this age group, particularly those that may not be engaging, that the team wanted to focus on.

Therefore, two much lower key pop up youth events had been held in Larkhill. There had been lower numbers in attendance, but it worked well and helped to engage the target audience. They were planning to go back to Larkhill three times in the next few months, and also to Durrington in May.

The representatives had one key message, which was that they hoped that these events would lead to local and sustainable provision for young people. Teenage provision across the county was felt to be patchy and it was hoped they could be a catalyst to making changes. Durrington now had some ongoing youth provision which was really welcomed. There had also been good support from local churches. They were trying to encourage local volunteers to make things work for young people, especially the marginal ones.   

Area Board Members thanked the representatives, highlighting that the organisation was a great asset. Durrington Town Council had taken on board what had been said, and had relaunched a youth facility and were going to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive an update on the Health and Wellbeing Group.

Cllr Monica Devendran, as lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, gave an update to the meeting. Cllr Devendran highlighted an upcoming Health and Wellbeing Fair, which was taking place on 7 March, at 11am at Antrobus House. This would include stalls and a musical concert by Celebrating Age Wiltshire. The event was free to attend but attendees did need to book.

Furthermore, Cllr Devendran highlighted some of the events undertaken by the group over the last 4 years, which included musical concerts, coffee mornings for residents, coffee mornings at Tesco’s and more. All events had been free, well attended and successful.

As stated under Chairman’s announcements, the Area Board Grant Funding would be considered under this agenda item. Graeme Morrison, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM) explained the Area Board budgets, and grants received, as detailed below.

Remaining Budgets:

Balance if all grants agreed in full:

Due to the lack of funds remaining, it was decided to hear about both the grants prior to making any decisions. The two grant applications received were:

Older and Vulnerable

·       Stonehenge Area Board Initiative, requesting £500 towards the Stonehenge Wellbeing Fair.

The SEPM spoke in support of the project and explained that more concrete figures had been finalised for the Area Board initiative, and it transpired that this would only need funds of £370, rather than £500.

Community Area Grants

·       Enford Short Mat Bowls Club requesting £650 towards a replacement mat.

The Board heard from representatives of the Bowls club who spoke in support of and explained their application.

The SEPM explained that whilst this grant had been submitted as a Community Area Grant application, it also fit the criteria for an Older and Vulnerable grant. There was not enough money in the Community Area Grant budget to award the grant. So, if minded to award the grant, the Board could award £626.87 from the Older and Vulnerable Budget, as the other Older and Vulnerable application was now only for £370, and £23.13 from the remaning Community Area Grant budget.

Cllr Monica Devendran proposed to award the Area Board Initiative £370 from the Health and Wellbeing budget, and the Enford Short Mat Bowls Club £650 in total, £626.87 from the Older and Vulnerable budget and £23.13 from the Community Area Grant budget. This was seconded by Cllr Mark Verbinnen.

Decision:

·       To grant the Stonehenge Area Board Initiative £370 towards the Stonehenge Wellbeing Fair, from the Older and Vulnerable budget.

Reason: The application met the Older and Vulnerable Grant criteria 2024/25

·       To grant Enford Short Mat Bowls Club £650 towards a replacement mat, £626.87 from the Older and Vulnerable budget and £23.13 from the Community Area Grant budget.

Reason: The application met the Older and Vulnerable Grant criteria 2024/25 and the Community Area Grant criteria 2024/25

Note: Cllr Monica Devendran left the meeting at 7.15pm.

To receive an update on the following Area Board priority:

·       Community Engagement – Cllrs Graham Wright and Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling.

To receive updates from the following organisations who have previously received funding from the Area Board and the impact that this had:

·       James Dwyer of God Unlimited (GUL)

·       Graham Audin of Community Transport South Wiltshire (CTSW)

Cllr Graham Wright and Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling gave an update on the Community Engagement Area Board priority.

Cllr Wright detailed a Community Speed Watch (CSW) reward and recognition event which had been held on 20 February in Durrington. All seven CSW teams in the area were recognised and thanked for their hard work and dedication, these were:

·       Berwick St James

·       Durrington

·       Enford

·       Middle Woodford

·       Netheravon

·       Shrewton

·       Stoford & Newton

In addition, at the event the current Wiltshire Council list of planned road works in the area was discussed. Additional roads were proposed for consideration, and the list would be submitted by Cllr Blair-Pilling following consultation with the Head of Highways. The event was yet another example of positive community engagement.

Cllr Wright also gave details on a follow up on an Area Board Grant awarded to the 2nd Bulford (St Leonards) Scout Group, which he had been to visit. The grant had been a fantastic enabler for the group to improve their offering to young people in the area.

They had started receiving some of the items funded by the grant which included:

·       New chairs for the Scout Hut

·       Mud mats and outside storage

·       Archery equipment

They would also be ordering:

·       Outside lighting to improve safety in the car park

·       New cook tents

·       New tables

In particular, the way in which the grant was awarded allowed the group to use it to secure another match funding grant (75% project costs) from Rural Hubs.

This meant that the grant from the Area Board effectively unlocked the ability to access a grant for a further £7000; something they would not have been able to achieve without the Area Board’s support. As a charity, they could not emphasise enough how helpful it was to show ‘money in the bank.

Cllr Verbinnen stated that he went to the CSW Rewards and Recognition event, and it was very good, and he thanked Cllrs Wright and Blair-Pilling for their hard work.

Cllr Verbinnen then invited two organisations who had previously been awarded grants by the Area Board to give updates on the impact this had and how their projects were going.

·       James Dwyerof God Unlimited (GUL)

GUL Outdoor Therapy was based in Shrewton at the Riverside Centre. They took marginalised young people and adults and got them outside to help their mental health and quality of life. They helped young people who were isolated or struggling and may not be in school. Part of the aim was to develop trusting relationships with adults. The kind of activities that were undertaken included learning to light a fire, trust exercises like blindfold walks and horse/pony riding. The interactions were low level at first, maybe helping youngsters to make friends and interact with others. They usually worked with young people for a couple of years with the aim of getting them back into mainstream settings. 

Details were given on the who uses GUL:

o   16% were adults, these came via:

§  Individuals volunteering

§  Independent referrals

§  Military charities/  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 12 February 2025, as set out in the attached report.

Recommendations:

·       1-24-18 A345 Countess Road, Amesbury speed limit assessment £3,100 (LHFIG £2,325, ATC £775 TBC)

·       1-24-15 Fittleton cum Haxton signing and road markings £5,500 (LHFIG £4,125, FHPC £1,375).

Further information on the LHFIG process can be found here.

Cllr Verbinnen gave a brief update on the LHFIG which he had chaired on behalf of Cllr Rob Yuill.

Following which, on the proposal of Cllr Verbinnen, seconded by Cllr Rob Yuill, it was,

Resolved:

·       To note the minutes from the Stonehenge LHFIG meeting held 12 February 2025

·       To approve the funding recommendations detailed below:

o   1-24-18 A345 Countess Road, Amesbury speed limit assessment £3,100 (LHFIG £2,325, ATC £775 TBC)

o   1-24-15 Fittleton cum Haxton signing and road markings £5,500 (LHFIG £4,125, FHPC £1,375).

To receive an update from Graeme Morrison (Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager) on grant funding awarded over the Area Board term.

To determine the applications for Area Board grant funding.

Remaining Budgets:

Balance if all grants agreed in full:

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

Youth Grants:

There are no youth grants to consider at this meeting.

Community Area Grants:

Further information on the Area Board Grant system can be found here.

The grants had been taken under the Health and Wellbeing group item earlier in the agenda. However, Cllr Mark Verbinnen invited Graeme Morrison, Strategic Engagement and Partnership Mannager (SEPM) to give an update on grant funding awarded over the Area Board term.

From the Community Area Grant funding budget, a total of 56 projects had been supported, with £124,156 being awarded, which had levered funding of £407,392.

For the Youth Grant budget, 33 grant projects had been supported, with £89,337 being awarded, which had levered funding of £237,100.

For the Older and Vulnerable grant budget 33 projects had been supported, with £29,620 being awarded, which had levered funding of £271,399.

In total the Area Board had awarded £271,399, which had levered funding of £915,891.

Examples of projects and organisations supported included; defibrillators; solar panels; heating; Figgle Fest; sports club equipment; GUL; CTSW; scouts and guides; the rural youth outreach project; celebrating age; musical performances and concerts; Amesbury Mens Shed and Silver Amesbury.

Anyone interested in applying for grants could contact Graeme Morrison, on graeme.morrison@wiltshire.gov.uk or 07986 365943, and he could help applicants with the process. Area Board Cllrs thanked the officer for his hard work supporting the grant application process.

Members of the Area Board were pleased and proud of all that the grant funding had supported. It was highlighted that they had awarded over £250,000 which had levered nearly a million pounds in match funding. The council was working hard to see how they could make Area Boards even better in the next term.

Cllr Verbinnen again thanked all officers who supported the Area Board and hoped that all Cllrs would be back in the next term.

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

There were no urgent items.