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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Online Meeting

Contact: Ben Fielding  Democratic Services Officer

Media

Items
Note No. Item

7.00 pm

1.

Chairman's Welcome and Introductions

The Chairman will welcome those present to the meeting.

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting and invited members of the board to introduce themselves.

 

The Chairman noted that this would be his last meeting and thanked the Area Board, Ollie Phipps and officers for their constructive work over the past years

2.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

 

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Rachel Nuttal (Little Somerford Parish Council) and Darren Nixon (Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service).

3.

Minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2020.

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2020 were presented for

consideration and it was;

 

Resolved

 

To approve the minutes as a correct record.

4.

Declarations of Interest

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

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

7.05 pm

5.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive the following announcements through the Chairman:

 

·       COVID-19 Update

Please stay at home and follow guidelines, further details available in the agenda pack.

 

·       Local Plan Review Consultation

The Local Plan Review and GT consultation is taking place and closes on Tuesday 9 March 2021. For more information please go to https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-policy-local-plan-review.

 

·       Census 2021

Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. We encourage everyone to take part. See  https://census.gov.uk/ for more information.

 

·       Fostering in Wiltshire

We are currently seeking to recruit 100 new foster carers over three years so that our children can continue to live in their local communities, within Wiltshire. To become a foster carer, people need to be over 21 years of age and have a spare bedroom. More details are available on the fostering website: www.fosteringwiltshire.uk.

 

·       Welcome to our new CEM

The board would like to welcome Alexa Davies, Community Engagement Manager, who will be the new Malmesbury CEM from April 2021.

 

·       Electoral Timetable

At present the Wiltshire Council Unitary Elections are taking place on Thursday 6 May 2021, along with the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections and Parish Elections.

Social distancing measures will be in place at polling stations, you can also register to vote by post.

The deadline to register to vote is 19 April 2021 and the deadline to register for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April 2021.

To register to vote go to https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or see https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/Elections-2021 for further details.

The count will most likely take place over 4 days, Friday 7 May (verification), Saturday 8 May (unitary), Sunday 9 May (parish) and Monday 10 May (PCC).

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The following announcements were received:

 

·       Covid-19

The Chairman gave a brief update on Covid-19, which stressed that though infection rates are falling across the county, it is still important to take great care and stay at home where possible. Additionally, the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub is available to help and support those who might need it. People can get in touch with the hub via email at wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.ukor by calling 0300 003 4576.

 

·       Local Plan Review Consultation

The Chairman invited Cllr Toby Sturgis to introduce the announcement, which outlined that the Local Plan Review was an informal consultation that was taking place before a local draft plan would be published. Cllr Sturgis explained that there are two figures of housing distribution involved, 40,000 and 45,000. The lower figure produced by the government methodology in 2019 to look at house prices and annual income; and the higher figure produced by consultants on past trends and evidence.

 

The Local Plan Review Consultation is an opportunity to invite residents to state their opinions on what they think of the numbers and where the allocations will potentially be made, such as a number of sites in urban areas and market towns.

 

·       Census 2021

The Chairman invited Jonny Corbett, Census Engagement Manager for County of Wiltshire, to introduce the announcement. Jonny Corbett provided a presentation to the Area Board, which explained that the census is a national survey which takes place every 10 years. Additionally, it was explained that the census takes place, in order to provide information to national government and local authorities in order to shape policy; allocate resources; plan services and monitor equality. The next census will take place on Sunday 21 March 2021.

 

The presentation reassured the Area Board that all information collected is locked away and remains anonymous for 100 years. Jonny Corbett also stressed the legal obligation of citizens to complete the census and informed that there is a £1,000 fine for non-completion of a census form. Additionally, reassurance was given that Covid-19 measures will be followed by those visiting residents’ doors, as well as there being an online method of completion.

 

·       Fostering in Wiltshire

The Chairman invited Cllr Chuck Berry to introduce the announcement. Cllr Berry noted that Wiltshire Council plan to recruit 100 foster carers in the next 3 years and that this could potentially be a way that people could give back to the community. Fosterers can potentially be paid around £16,000-£17,000 and can provide support for both long or short periods of time; the main requirement being that they are over 21 years of age and have a spare bedroom.

 

Cllr Berry also drew attention to an offer provided by the Fostering in Wiltshire programme, where it is possible to receive a £500 payment to keep or donate to charity for anyone who recommends someone as a foster carer.  More details are available on the fostering website: www.fosteringwiltshire.uk.

 

·       Welcome to our new CEM

The Chairman announced that Alexa Davies, Community Engagement Manager, will be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

7.15pm

6.

Partner Updates

To receive updates from the following partners:

 

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

·       Town and Parish Councils

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Updates were received from the following partners:

 

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received an update on behalf of Wiltshire Police from CPT Inspector Doug Downing. Inspector Downing reported that he will soon be changing roles and will be moving on to work in the control room; the selection process for his replacement is up and running and they will want to be part of the Area Board.

 

Through the impact of the lockdowns, Malmesbury has seen a reduction of crime since October 2020, with only two noticeable incidents, which were for possession of weapons, that were shown as an exception for the area. Burglary rates have been lower and though anti-social behaviour did increase for a period, this has now been dealt with and is seeing a steady reduction. Attention has now turned to vehicular anti-social behaviour, with road policing units looking to deal with this on a long-term level.

 

Cllr Gavin Grant thanked Inspector Downing for his contribution to the local area, having always been approachable and willing to be engaged. The importance of Inspector Downing’s successor attending future Area Board meetings was stressed, with there being great value in bringing together the resources from different organisations.

 

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The Area Board noted a written update attached to the agenda.

 

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

The Area Board noted a written update attached to the agenda.

 

·       BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

The Area Board noted written updated attached to the agenda.

 

·       Town and Parish Councils

Sean Magee and John Matthews raised concerns regarding traffic within the Sherston Parish Council area. The concerns were in relation to traffic created by Westonbirt Arboretum, which has seen an increase in anti-social parking in Willesley and visitors walking through residents’ gardens in order to gain illegal access to the Arboretum. It was reported that there has been an increase in such behaviour due to Covid-19 restrictions and limited entry into the Arboretum. Currently, residents have parking stickers, however there is currently no enforceable parking restrictions.

 

Cllr Thomson stated that this issue has been discussed with Matt Perrott, Highways Wiltshire Council and Steve Hinds, Community Area Transport Group (CATG). The issue will be taken up with senior members of the Highways team and will be added to the agenda for the next CATG meeting.

 

Cllr Grant stated that as a trustee of The Friends of Westonbirt, he would be happy to raise it with the director in order to investigate what could be done from their perspective. Concern was also expressed in relation to the inflation of numbers beyond the Covid compliant booking system and the loss of income. Additionally, there is set to be a meeting between the new Chief Executive of Forestry England and the Friends of Westonbirt trustees’ group, where this concern could be of interest.

 

Cllr Sturgis expressed that it would be helpful to have a plan of the areas worst affected by this behaviour and that he would raise this with Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.30pm

7.

Area Board End of Cycle Report

To receive an update from Ollie Phipps, Community Engagement Manager, looking back at the last four years of Malmesbury Area Board.

 

 

Minutes:

Ollie Phipps (CEM), provided a presentation on the Area Board End of Cycle Report. It was reported that over the past four years, the Area Board, had awarded £134,623 through Community Capital Grants towards 84 projects, leveraging £955,701 extra. Such projects included but were not limited to Defibrillators; Kissing Gates; Litter Picking; Outdoor Classrooms and Playpark equipment.

 

Regarding Youth Grants, it was reported that over the past four years, the Area Board had awarded £55,598 towards 40 youth related projects; leveraging £112,899 extra. Such projects included but were not limited to Mind Reset Mental Health Sessions; Abbey Skate; Last Baguette Theatre and Rise Trust Youth Clubs.

 

Ellen Blacker, Health and Wellbeing Champion, provided a round up of statistics from April 2017 to February 2021, with a total number of 725 clients supported.

 

Majority of enquiries are from Malmesbury (24%) with Dauntsey, Sherston, Great Somerford, Minety and Lea following. All parishes have been supported.

41% of clients have been helped in the past and are returning with new questions to ask. New clients come mostly from talking to friends and family or from magazine articles. Age range of those supported are as you may expect with most referrals made for the 70-80-year-old bracket with a rough range of 2:1 female to male ratio. The majority of clients suffer with mobility issues but most feel that they aren’t truly housebound. About 45% do have their own transport.

 

The overwhelming majority of people make contact by phone or at social meetings (28%, all pre pandemic) with only 9% making contact by email. These clients are entirely in the younger age groups. Referrals are made following discussion with the individual or family. Discussions start with the original reason for contact and usually expand to talk about many aspects of life. Clients are then referred to the correct specialist advisor to support with specific needs.

 

The impact for clients can be hard to define, but most would consider that they have a feeling of improved wellbeing, knowing that there is someone who they can turn to for information and help. The financial impact is easier to quantify, with 45 individuals now receiving the extra benefits that their circumstances qualify for example Attendance Allowance and Pension Credits. These benefits can be in excess of £9k per year per person. Individuals have also enjoyed almost £18k “one off” grants. These have benefitted 71 individual clients and are mostly grants towards the cost of winter fuel bills.

7.40pm

8.

Speeding Concerns in the Rural area

Cllr Chuck Berry to give an update on speeding concerns in the rural area.

 

Minutes:

The Area Board received an update on Speeding Concerns in the Rural Area, from Cllr Chuck Berry. It was recognised that Cllr Berry had recently chaired a meeting with prospective candidates for the PCC position, each of whom had a strong message and pledged to work tirelessly to stop speeding in the community. Thanks, were given to the Parish Councils and Community Speed Watch individuals who attended the meeting.

 

Currently, the auto speed watch cameras are doing a very good job, however they remain auto and are not using the data that is being collected. The PPC candidates supported the use of data in order to restart and reinvigorate letter sending in North Wiltshire. Some of the speeds being recorded by the cameras are unacceptable and if the police were to use the top 5% of the data recorded, it could potentially spread the message.

 

It was recognised that lorry watch could be brought up and dealt with, once Covid permits it to take place.

7.50pm

9.

Community Area Transport Group

To receive any updates from the CATG and approve any recommendations, as detailed in the attached notes.

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Cllr Chuck Berry provided an update on the Community Area Transport Group and noted that there is due to be a meeting Tuesday 9 March, which will sadly be the last meeting for Cllr John Thomson and Martin Rose, who were thanked for their efforts. The group will be welcoming Highways Officer, Steve Hind.

 

Resolved:

 

To note the minutes from the CATG meeting which took place 1 December 2020 and approve included recommendations within the report.

8.00pm

10.

Health and Wellbeing Group

To receive a Health and Wellbeing update from Kim Power, Chair of Friends of Riverside and the Malmesbury Health and Wellbeing Forum.

 

Minutes:

The Area Board received an update on the Health and Wellbeing Group from Kim Power, Chair of the Malmesbury Health and Wellbeing Forum. The Forum is a group made up of care providers, associated organisations and volunteers who meet on a 3 to 6-month basis in order to network and discuss working together in order to promote health and wellbeing, primarily of older and vulnerable people. The network has been incredibly important during the pandemic, allowing many individuals and organisations to work on projects to support elderly residents.

 

An update was provided on the projects which have taken place, which included Telephone Befriending; an Online Connectivity Project; The Big Christmas Get Together 2020; Hope Springs Eternal in January 2021 and Friends of Riverside Daffodils Project in February 2021.

 

The next Forum meeting is likely to take place in approximately a months’ time, with consideration to the vaccine rollout and lockdown occupying a lot of member’s time and resources.

8.05pm

11.

Rise Trust Youth Work

To receive an update from Danielle Blake on the Rise Trust youth work.

 

Minutes:

Danielle Blake, Youth Co-ordinator from the Rise Trust gave an update to the meeting. The Rise Trust had been delivering outreach work throughout the lockdowns which took place last year and experienced a quiet period from Christmas to January. Over the past few weeks, they have begun to see young people more and noted that relationships with young people have got stronger, with them often messaging staff regarding issues that might be troubling them.

 

The Rise Trust has been signposting other provisions of support, such as Wiltshire Early Help Mental Health and Motiv8, who they have been conducting joint work with regarding substance misuse. Feedback was provided by young people regarding what they would like to see once lockdown ends, with an outreach style youth café being an end goal. The age range of those involved was from year 10/11 to those in early employment.

8.10pm

12.

Area Board Funding

To consider the following applications for Area Board Grant Funding:

 

Community Area Grants:

 

·       Sherston Parish Footpath Group - £425, towards replacement defibrilator.

 

·       Friends of Riverside - £1,610.03, towards Riverside Community Centre Skatepark CCTV lighting.

 

·       Malmesbury Town Council - £5,000, towards Cloister Gardens Refurbishment.

 

·       Sherston Village Hall - £1,984.36, towards Sustainable Sherstons Community Orchard in the Village Field.

 

·       Residents of the Derry, Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire – £500, towards The Derry Ashton Keynes ditch reinstatement.

 

·       St Josephs Catholic Primary School Parents and Friends Association - £732.50, towards St Josephs Catholic Primary School CCTV System.

 

·       Luckington Children's Playground Charity - £1,975, towards Luckington Playground Maintenance.

 

·       Sherston Parish Council - £400, towards Sherston PhoneBox refurbishment.

 

·       Charlton Recreational Centre - £5,000 towards Charlton Park Play Area New Equipment older children.

 

Youth Grants:

 

·       Rise Trust Youth - £4,640, towards Detached Outreach Youth Work.

 

·       Mind Reset - £1,500, towards Mental Health Awareness.

 

·       Stay Safe Initiative - £1,000, towards Keeping young people safe online.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Area Board considered the following grant applications. Full details of which were published in the agenda:

 

Community Area Grants:

·       Sherston Parish Footpath Group - £425, towards replacement defibrillator.

·       Friends of Riverside - £1,610.03, towards Riverside Community Centre Skatepark CCTV lighting.

·       Malmesbury Town Council - £5,000, towards Cloister Gardens Refurbishment.

·       Sherston Village Hall - £1,984.36, towards Sustainable Sherstons Community Orchard in the Village Field.

·       Residents of the Derry, Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire – £500, towards The Derry Ashton Keynes ditch reinstatement.

·       St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Parents and Friends Association - £732.50, towards St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School CCTV System.

·       Luckington Children’s Playground Charity - £1,975, towards Luckington Playground Maintenance.

·       Sherston Parish Council - £400, towards Sherston Phone Box refurbishment.

·       Charlton Recreational Centre - £5,000 towards Charlton Park Play Area New Equipment older children.

 

Youth Grants:

·       Rise Trust Youth - £4,640, towards Detached Outreach Youth Work.

·       Mind Reset - £1,500, towards Mental Health Awareness.

·       Stay Safe Initiative - £1,000, towards Keeping young people safe online.

 

It was;

 

Resolved:

To award the following Community Area Grants:

·       Sherston Parish Footpath Group - £425, towards replacement defibrillator.

·       Friends of Riverside - £1,610.03, towards Riverside Community Centre Skatepark CCTV lighting.

·       Malmesbury Town Council - £5,000, towards Cloister Gardens Refurbishment.

·       Sherston Village Hall - £1,984.36, towards Sustainable Sherstons Community Orchard in the Village Field.

·       Residents of the Derry, Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire – £500, towards The Derry Ashton Keynes ditch reinstatement.

·       St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Parents and Friends Association - £732.50, towards St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School CCTV System.

·       Luckington Children’s Playground Charity - £1,975, towards Luckington Playground Maintenance.

·       Sherston Parish Council - £400, towards Sherston Phone Box refurbishment.

·       Charlton Recreational Centre - £5,000 towards Charlton Park Play Area New Equipment older children.

 

To award the following Youth Grants:

·       Rise Trust Youth - £4,640, towards Detached Outreach Youth Work.

·       Mind Reset - £1,500, towards Mental Health Awareness.

·       Stay Safe Initiative - £1,000, towards Keeping young people safe online.

13.

Urgent items

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

Minutes:

Councillors John Thomson and Toby Sturgis were thanked for their efforts and service provided to the Area Board.

8.30pm

14.

Close

The next meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board will be held on 18 May 2021 (time to be confirmed). This meeting will be to elect a Chair, Vice Chair and appoint Members to Outside Bodies and Working Groups for the forthcoming year.

 

The next full meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board will be held on 8 June 2021 at 7.00pm.

 

Minutes:

The next meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board will be held on 18 May 2021 (time to be confirmed). This meeting will be to elect a Chair, Vice Chair and appoint Members to Outside Bodies and Working Groups for the forthcoming year.

 

The next full meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board will be held on 8 June 2021 at 7.00pm.