Agenda and minutes

To elect the Chairman of the Malmesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year.

Nominations were sought for a Chairman for the forthcoming year. On the nomination of Councillor Chuck Berry seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall, it was,

Resolved:

To elect Councillor Gavin Grant as Chairman of Malmesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year.

To elect the Vice-Chairman of Malmesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year.

Nominations were sought for a Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year. On the nomination of Councillor Gavin Grant , seconded by Councillor Martin Smith, it was,

Resolved:

To elect Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall as Vice-Chairman of Malmesbury Area Board for the forthcoming year.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board. Cllr Grant thanked outgoing Chairman, Cllr Berry for his efforts and contributions to the Malmesbury Area Board. Additionally, Cllr Grant noted positive feedback that was received at the South West  SLCC Training Conference, where a comment was received from the Former Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council that “Malmesbury Area Board leaves party politics at the door and its focus is on place & community”.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were provided from Phil Ray, Eleanor Lines (Sustainable Sherston), Hugh Thomas (the Parish Council grant application), David Drake (the Caerbladon grant application), Peter Gilchriest (MVCAP) and Woody Allen (MVCAP).

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 22 February 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 February 2022 were presented for consideration and it was;

Resolved

To approve and sign as a true and correct record of the minutes of the meeting held on 22 February 2022.

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

Councillor Martin Smith declared a non-pecuniary interest in the Sustainable Sherston Grant Application he is a member of the Committee for Sustainable Sherston. Cllr Smith abstained from the vote regarding the grant.

To receive the following announcements through the Chair:

·       Recruitment of Hackney carriage and private hire drivers.

·       Solar Together Wiltshire.

·       Fostering in Wiltshire.

·       Change to Community Area Transport Groups (CATGs) into Local Highway and Footway Improvement Groups (LHFIGs).

·       Fuel Camps.

The following announcements were received:

·                 Recruitment of Hackneycarriage and private drivers

Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall drew attention to a briefing note attached to the agenda which acknowledged the current shortage of taxi drivers in Wiltshire. It was outlined that Wiltshire Council has lots of contracts available which start at on average £30 a day for short routes, increasing to £250+ a day for longer routes. Additionally that to become a taxi driver it takes around six weeks and costs around £400; and to be licensed people need to provide proof and undertake a series of simple checks. Further information could be found within the briefing note.

·                 Solar Together Wiltshire

Cllr Martin Smith drew attention to a briefing note attached to the agenda which outlined a scheme that Wiltshire Council is driving forward locally called “Solar Together Wiltshire”. The note informed that Wiltshire Council is working with independent experts iChoosr and Swindon Borough Council to give homeowners the opportunity to invest in renewables through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage. Cllr Smith informed that this is a group-buying scheme which will offer solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as offering battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate, as well as increase their independence from the grid.

It was noted that the scheme is free to register and there is no obligation for people to go ahead with an installation. All residents living in the Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council areas who own their own house (or have permission from the landlord to install a solar PV system) can register for the Solar Together group-buying scheme. Further information regarding the scheme and how to register could be found within the briefing note.

·       Fostering in Wiltshire

Cllr Chuck Berry stated that currently in the north part of the county there is a shortage of foster parents and therefore encouraged the local community to promote fostering as a spiritually and financially rewarding gesture. Cllr Berry noted that fostering is a superb way of giving back to the local community and offers the opportunity to shape the lives of young people. Additionally, it wasnoted that the baseline payment for fostering was £350 a week, which would have the potential to increase.

·                 Change to Community Area Transport Groups (CATGs) into Local Highway and Footway Improvement Groups (LHFIGs)

Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall noted that on 26 April 2022 Wiltshire Council Cabinet approved plans to change Community Area Transport Groups (CATGs) into Local Highway and Footway Improvement Groups (LHFIGs) – and increase funding for community highways projects.

It was explained that the key difference between the new LHFIGs and the former CATGs is that the new groups would be able to improve or repair existing infrastructure such as highways and footways, while still investing in new infrastructure, as the previous CATGs could. The funding arrangements of LHFIGs was also explained with further  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive updates from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

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

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       Malmesbury and the Villages Community Area Partnership (MVCAP)

·       Riverside Community Centre

·       Malmesbury Area Health and Wellbeing Forum

·       Malmesbury Area Footpaths Group

·       Health & Wellbeing Champion

·       Town and Parish Councils

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received a verbal update from Inspector James Brain, which covered the following points:

·       Inspector Brain noted an amendment to the report provided within the agenda pack, with Sergeant Jamie Ball introduced to the team as Sergeant Kate Smith had left to take maternity leave.

·       It was stated that the anti-social behaviour mentioned within the report had since peaked, predominantly with the arson that took place at the Abbey. This is now a live investigation with a wider meeting for longer-term problem-solving set to take place. The Police also appealed for witness as well as descriptions of clothing worn by suspects.

·       Sergeant Jamie Ball and the team had been conducting work on intervention.

·       It was noted that the statistics provided for reporting are slightly disproportionate as there seemed to be more anti-social behaviour taking place than is being official recorded.

·       Regarding community speed watch, Inspector Brain updated that fortnightly tasking meetings take place in order to use data to decide where teams should be situated.

Following the presentation there was time for the following questions and points

to be raised:

·       Cllr Chuck Berry stated that its not only the town that is having anti-social behaviour problems, with issues taking place in rural areas such as Oaksey. Additionally, Cllr Berry stated that there could be an opportunity for the Police to liaise with social housing providers to make sure people more appropriately housed rather than teams having to travel long distances to deal with issues. The Police and Crime Commissioner acknowledged the issue of anti-social behaviour and stated that comprehensive packages have been in put in place, in locations such as Downton, which have been largely successful.

·       Kim Power brought to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s attention that Malmesbury Town Council and the Local Youth Network match fund to pay for youth outreach work, which has positive connections with the local PCSO and the Rise Trust. Therefore ensuring that young people do not go under the radar before issues escalate. The Police and Crime Commissioner noted that coordination is a challenge but 2 successful youth conferences have taken place with multiple organisations providing their time to support the youth.

·       It was stated that if a community speed watch team do not support data then a back function office collate information for this area and then return data to team leaders and sector inspectors. However, such areas that do not supply data do not get discussed in as much detail, with those that do being placed in priority order.

·       The Police and Crime Commissioner updated that 3 cameras have been purchased for mobile enforcement to reinforce community speed watch.

·       The Area Board thanked The Police and Crime Commissioner for the work that he has completed so far, with it noted that he was translating his promises from electoral hustings into reality.

·       It was suggested that the improvement of CCTV in Malmesbury town centre would help with anti-social behaviour issues.

·       The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To receive a presentation from Alexa Davies (Community Engagement Manager) on the Area Board Review.

The Area Board received a presentation from Alexa Davies, Community Engagement Manager. The presentation covered the following points:

• It was explained that the reasoning behind the review was to build on practice and evident success of the Area Boards and to address areas where there was inconsistency in practice and approach.
• An overview of the review process was provided, which acknowledged that an Overview and Scrutiny process followed between January – March 2022, which resulted in 24 recommendations.
• Attention was drawn to the new Area Board Handbook, which has been published and is available on the Council website.
• An overview of the updated Area Board Grant Funding Criteria was provided, with it noted that Malmesbury Area Board had agreed to provide financial support for applications up to £2,500. It was also stated that the requirement for matched funding had now reduced to £500 and that applications must be received at least 4 weeks before an Area Board meeting. Also meeting two aims of the Wiltshire Council Business Plan and an Area Board Local Priority.
• The setting of and working to local priorities was detailed, with it noted that up to five priorities can be agreed by an Area Board following the first business meeting after Full Council; with at least one Councillor requested to lead each priority.

The following priorities from 2021/2022 were reviewed with examples of achievements provided:

·       Positive activities for young people

·       Green Issues

·       Reducing loneliness and social isolation

·       Highway Safety

·       Recovery of Local Economy

                      I.          To report on progress made in addressing the Area Board priorities selected for 2021/22

                     II.          To consider any new evidence or information that will help inform the Area Board in selecting its priorities for 2022/23

                   III.          To highlight potential priorities for the Area Board to consider for 2022/23

                  IV.          To inform the Area Board of the broad mechanism for delivering these priorities including (where appropriate): leads, working groups and allocating funding.

The Area Board received a report from Alexa Davies, Community Engagement Manager. Alexa Davies provided an overview of the report which included a progress update from the 2021/22 local priorities work.

After which, it was;

Resolved

1.     That Malmesbury Area Board acknowledged the progress update from the 2021/22 local priorities work.

2.     That Malmesbury Area Board having considered the report along with its appendices decided upon the following priorities it wished to focus on in the coming year:

·       Positive activities for young people

·       Green Issues

·       Reducing loneliness and social isolation

·       Highway Safety

·       Community resilience

3.     That Malmesbury Area Board appointed the following lead Councillor for each of selected priorities:

• Positive activities for young people – Cllr Gavin Grant
• Green Issues – Cllr Martin Smith
• Reducing loneliness and social isolation – Cllr Chuck Berry
• Highway Safety – Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall
• Community resilience – Cllr Gavin Grant

4. That Malmesbury Area Board agreed to appoint any required working groups in relation to each priority.

The Area Board is requested to:

a.           Appoint Members as Lead representatives to Outside Bodies as set out at Appendix A;

b.           Agree to reconstitute and appoint to AB Non-Priority Working Group(s) as set out in Appendix B; and

c.           To note the Terms of Reference for the LHFIG as set out in Appendix C.

d.           To appoint a Carer and Older People’s Champion for the Area Board.

The Chairman introduced a report attached to the agenda, which provided information regarding the appointment of Area Board Lead Councillors.

After which, it was;

Resolved

1.     That the following appointments to outside bodies and working groups for the forthcoming year were made:

a.     Malmesbury Area Parishes Alliance (MAPA) – Cllr Martin Smith

b.    Malmesbury Local Highways and Footways Improvement Group (LHFIG) – Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall

c.     Malmesbury Local Youth Network (LYN) – Cllr Gavin Grant

d.    Malmesbury Health and Wellbeing Forum (HWB) – Cllr Chuck Berry

e.     Malmesbury Community Safety Forum – Cllr Gavin Grant

2.     That the Area Board Non-Priority Working Groups as set out in Appendix B were reconstituted to include the respective Lead Members from Appendix A.

3.     That the Terms of Reference for the LHFIG as set out in Appendix C were noted.

The Area Board will be asked to consider the recommendations from the 26 April 2022 Malmesbury Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) meeting outlined in the report.

Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall introduced the minutes and recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 26 April 2022.

Resolved:

The minutes of the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group meeting held on 26 April 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

To consider the following applications for funding:

Community Area Grants:

·       Oaksey Village Hall - £3,318.30 towards Oaksey Village Hall Electrical Efficiency Project.

·       Caerbladon CIC - £5,000 towards Caerbladon Arts startup costs.

·       Sustainable Sherston - £1,396.66 towards Apple Day juicing equipment grant.

·       Leigh PCC - £2,500 towards Disabled Eco Loo at Leigh Parish Church.

To note that the following applications for funding have been agreed under Community Engagement Manager delegated authority:

Health and Wellbeing Grants:

·       Charlton Parish Council - £75 towards Charlton and Village Parish Platinum Jubilee Tea Party.

·       Malmesbury Town Council - £75 towards Jubilee Picnic in the Cloister Gardens Sunday 5^th June 2022.

·       Hankerton Parish Council - £75 towards Hankerton Village and Parish Platinum Jubilee Tea Party.

·       St Paul Malmesbury Without Parish Council - £75 towards Parish celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022.

·       Luckington Chuch PCC on behalf of 3 village groups - £100 towards Luckington Platinum Jubilee picnic.

·       Crudwell Parish Council - £75 towards Crudwell Jubilee Village Green Party.

·       Little Somerford Parish Council - £75 towards Somerfords and Startley Jubilee Street Party.

·       Ashton Keynes Parish Council - £75 towards The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations 2022.

The Area Board considered the following applications for funding:

Community Area Grants:

1.               Oaksey Village Hall - £3,318.30 towards Oaksey Village Hall Electrical Efficiency Project.

Resolved:

Oaksey Village Hall was awarded £2,500 towards Oaksey Village Hall  Electrical Efficiency Project.

2.               Caerbladon CIC - £5,000 towards Caerbladon Arts startup costs.

Resolved:

Caerbladon CIC was awarded £2,500 towards Caerbladon Arts startup costs.

3.               Sustainable Sherston - £1,396.66 towards Apple Day juicing equipment grant.

Resolved:

Sustainable Sherston was awarded £1,047.50 towards Apple Day juicing equipment grant.

4.               Leigh PCC - £2,500 towards Disabled Eco Loo at Leigh Parish Church.

Resolved:

Leigh PCC was awarded £2,500 towards Disabled Eco Loo at Leigh Parish Church.

The Area Board noted that the followingapplications for funding had been awarded under Community Engagement Manager delegated authority between meetings:

Health and Wellbeing Grants:

1.     Charlton Parish Council - £75 towards Charlton and Village Parish Platinum Jubilee Tea Party.

2.     Malmesbury Town Council - £75 towards Jubilee Picnic in the Cloister Gardens Sunday 5th June 2022.

3.     Hankerton Parish Council - £75 towards Hankerton Village and Parish Platinum Jubilee Tea Party.

4.     St Paul Malmesbury Without Parish Council - £75 towards Parish celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022.

5.     Luckington Chuch PCC on behalf of 3 village groups - £100 towards Luckington Platinum Jubilee picnic.

6.     Crudwell Parish Council - £75 towards Crudwell Jubilee Village Green Party.

7.     Little Somerford Parish Council - £75 towards Somerfords and Startley Jubilee Street Party.

8.     Ashton Keynes Parish Council - £75 towards The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations 2022.

After which, it was;

Resolved

That the Area Board ratified the respective grants awarded under Community Engagement Manager delegated authority between meetings.

To receive a presentation from the Malmesbury Town Team to highlight their upcoming projects.

The Area Board received a presentation from Campbell Ritchie representing the Malmesbury Town Team. The presentation covered the following matters:

·       The vision of the Malmesbury Town Team was outlined, with it noted that the Town Team had become a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2000, a not-for-profit organisation, whose activities are now funded by multiple sources of self-generated income.

·       An overview of the Malmesbury High Street was provided, with it stated how the current economy and cost of living crisis had affected the High Street. Additionally, the challenges of supermarkets taking money out of the High Street was acknowledged, with the High Street now looking to provide an offer of convenience and social opportunity with new openings and expansions set to take place.

·       The Town Team have an aim of increasing the amount of time people spend in the town centre.

·       The core offers of the Malmesbury Town Team were outlined, including Discover Malmesbury, Explore Malmesbury and the Malmesbury Giftcard.

·       Further developments included a Malmesbury Visitor Guide, which had been supported by Area Board funding. Additionally, guided walks take place on a weekly basis and can be booked in advance.

·       Plans for the future were presented, including a commemorative event for the Malmesbury Witch Trial 350-year anniversary.

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 Malmesbury Area Board will be held on 20 September 2022, 7.00 pm.

The date of the next meeting is 20 September 2022.