Agenda and minutes

The Chairman will welcome those present to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were provided from Sergeant Jamie Ball (Wiltshire Police), Mark Lewis (Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service), Mercedes Apps (Shared Lives Team Leader) and Julie Dart (Health and Wellbeing Champion).

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 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 20 September 2022.

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

There were no declarations of disclosable interest.

The Chairman will provide information about:

·       Wiltshire Climate Strategy Delivery Plans

·       Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance (BSW Integrated Care Board) Update

·       Update from Community First

·       Temporary Events Notices (TEN’s)

The Chairman and Members of the Area Board made the following announcements, which were contained in the agenda pack.

·       Wiltshire Council Climate Strategy Delivery Plans

Cllr Martin Smith noted that attached to the agenda pack was a briefing note, which set out details of the new delivery plans to support the Council’s adopted Climate Strategy. Cllr Smith drew attention to 2 of the 7 themes in relation to the Malmesbury Area, including the Transport Grant Scheme which had been established to help the installation of electrical charging points as well as the local cycling and walking infrastructure plan. Cllr Smith noted that some homes had been retrofitted for insulation and that there have also been pilot schemes in the county to rewild road verges. Attention was also drawn to the Solar Together Wiltshire Scheme, which had the aim of bulk buying solar panels for domestic installation with over 1,000 Malmesbury residents having partaken. Cllr Smith also provided information regarding waste and how attempts had been made to divert more waste from landfill, such as residents now being able to recycle certain batteries through their Wiltshire Council kerbside collections.

·       Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance (BSW Integrated Care Board) Update

Cllr Chuck Berry noted that within the agenda pack was an update from the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance (BSW Integrated Care Board). The updated provided an overview of the role of the VCSE leadership alliance as well as noting the progress which had been made so far within the voluntary sector over the past 18 months. Cllr Berry drew attention for the need for volunteers to look after those who might be older, less wealthy and struggling within communities.

·       Update from Community First

The Chairman drew reference to an update included within the agenda pack from Community First. The update covered their recent AGM and Awards celebration, which took place on 12 October 2022 as well as a volunteer recruitment campaign and current vacancies that they were looking to recruit to. Cllr Grant also drew attention to the importance of community mini-buses and their drivers who enable communities to be connected. The following Enquiry Form allows those interested to get in touch with Community First for more information.

·       Temporary Events Notices

Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall noted that a briefing note had been attached to the agenda pack to raise member and public awareness around the use and control of Temporary Events Notices under the Licensing Act 2003.  The briefing note explained Temporary Events Notices, the types of events notices available as well as what restrictions they might have as well as links to the Events Notices webpages.

To receive updates from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       Health and Wellbeing Update:

i)       Malmesbury Area Health and Wellbeing Forum

ii)     Health & Wellbeing Champion

·       Town and Parish Councils

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

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

·       Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon

The Area Board was joined in attendance by Russell Holland, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, who provided the following points as a verbal update:

·       Op Sceptre has recently taken place as a national piece of work to reduce knife crime with effort placed on alerting people.

·       Op Scorpion recently took place across the whole of the Southwest with Philip Wilkinson and other Police and Crime Commissioners working to tackle drug dealers. Several raids were conducted with £4,000 cash and a large amount of drugs seized.

·       In relation to hare coursing, the Police had recently purchased some new night-vision goggles and bright torches which without causing permanent damage, could be used to slow criminals down.

·       Attention was drawn to a recent article in the RSPB magazine which stated that an individual who had been killing birds in Wiltshire and then throwing them down wells had now been successfully prosecuted.

·       The importance of community intelligence was stressed and how this can be a starting point for successfully tackling crime. The following Website allows residents to report any intel and issues that they might have.

·       Regarding speeding, three new speed enforcement cameras had been purchased.

Following the update there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

·       The Chairman provided appreciation for Chief Inspector James Brain, Sergeant Jamie Ball as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner Team, who had been made aware of the anti-social behaviour problems in Malmesbury and had since instigated investigations. In addition, praise was given to the Police Force for providing two street briefings which allowed residents to directly attend and led to charges being made.

·       Regarding auto speed watch it was stressed that it would be positive to see how many letters had been issued as a direct result of auto speed watch as it would be reassuring for those completing the work.

·       The Police were thanked for their recent efforts towards an illegal gathering of cars that had taken place in Brinkworth.

·       It was suggested that it would be positive for the Police to quickly place reports on social media whenever they had visited locations with their speed cameras as this could act as a deterrent to other drivers.

·       It was questioned where there would be an amnesty box for those carrying knives as part of Op Sceptre, to with the Deputy PCC stated that he would check whether this would be provided.

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The Area Board noted a written update attached to the agenda pack. In addition, it was raised how helpful the Fire and Rescue service had been in responding to concerns raised by residents in relation to the electrical storage systems being built around the Minety electrical substation. It was confirmed that the Fire and Rescue service were set to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

To receive updates from Lead Councillors for the local Area Board 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

The Area Board received the following updates from the respective Councillors in regard to the following local Area Board priorities:

Positive activities for young people – Cllr Gavin Grant

·       The Malmesbury area has an excellent Local Youth Network, which has been working in partnership with Malmesbury Town Council as well as the Rise Trust Team.

·       Active engagement took place with Malmesbury School and Assistant Headteacher Dan Baker to hold a youth survey and then a youth engagement event featuring the results of the survey.

·       The survey provided a good sense of what young people in the local area need as well as issues to follow up on.

Green Issues – Cllr Martin Smith

·       It was noted that the Adopt a Street initiative in Malmesbury was being driven by Malmesbury Town Councillor Campbell Ritchie. As part of this, work is being done to set up a volunteer event for green groups in the new year to increase local litter picking.

·       Work has been conducted with communities in Sherston and Cowbridge Mill regarding electrical vehicle charging points installation with successful grant applications having taken place.

·       Regarding cycling, the LHFIG has encouraged a cycleway from Sherston to Malmesbury.

·       Work has been conducted with Sustainable Sherston to promote recycling by using special collection points for plastics.

·       Residents have been encouraged to compost their kitchen waste through the Wiltshire Council Hot Johanna scheme.

·       Grants for tree planting have been provided by Wessex Water, with trees set to be planted in Sherston School.

Reducing loneliness and social isolation – Cllr Chuck Berry

·       Attention was drawn to the Grandmentors programme, which requires volunteers to work with young people on a weekly basis to give them confidence. The criteria for the programme was outlined with a requirement for volunteers to be over 50, have good people and communication skills, patience, and a DBS check. The following phone number was provided for those interested: 07949544350.

·       It was outlined that work is being conducted to combine the 60+ charities in the Malmesbury area together to share facilities and administration together to reduce costs and improve delivery.

·       A potential site for the Men’s Shed has been identified with Strategic Engagement Partnerships Manager, Andrew Jack set to follow up.

·       WhatsApp groups have been set up for local streets, villages, and towns for communities to be connected again.

Highway Safety – Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall

·       Work has been taking place to set up a lorry watch scheme, which would be similar to community speed watch with volunteers trained by the Police. This is due to issues in Malmesbury which has a 7.5-ton limit, Lyneham Banks and Sherston.

·       The lorry watch scheme is currently on hold, but the Police and Crime Commissioner has been contacted and is currently reviewing the situation.

·       Work is being conducted on auto speed watch as well as a way of using the information that it produces.

To have a further discussion about the cost of living crisis as well as warm spaces available in the local community.

A briefing note was included in the agenda pack from the Engagement and Partnerships Team (Wiltshire Council), which outlined the role of Area Boards and examples of how they can support the cost of living in Wiltshire. In addition, attention was drawn to a poster within the agenda which included a list of organisations and websites, which may be able to provide help for anyone who is concerned about the rising cost of living.

A verbal update was provided by Strategic Engagement Partnerships Manager, Andrew Jack, which covered the following points:

·       Wiltshire Council was awarded £2,728,656 of funding from central government to support residents through winter.

·       The following support mechanisms were outlined including the £50,000 Household Support Grant, the Surviving Winter Campaign, Warm and Safe Wiltshire, Council Tax support and Age UK Wiltshire.

·       At a local level, community groups are available to apply for funding from the Malmesbury Area Board, with further attention drawn to the following Wiltshire Council Websitewhich provides advice for a range of issues.

·       An Interactive Community Directory has been created, which shows what is available to residents in their local community, with 95 warm spaces logged so far, however many are yet to be logged.

·       The interactive map provides information on local warm spaces, their opening times as well as the service they provide.

·       The criterion for becoming a Warm Space is not prescriptive but Wiltshire Council is looking to make use of existing organisations and extend their existing provision.

·       The following Surveyenables local organisations to share details of a warm space that they have set up.

• A similar map for community food provision has also been set up with a need for community fridges, larders, foodbanks and other community food providers to be registered to assist them in becoming more well known. The following Survey enables such food providers to provide their information to Wiltshire Council.
• It was noted that for those not able to access the internet, all of the libraries in Wiltshire have registered as Warm Spaces with staff trained on warm spaces and able to assist those needing to use a computer.

A verbal update was provided by Kim Power (Mayor of Malmesbury and Chair of Malmesbury Area Health and Wellbeing Forum), which included the following points:

·       A weekly calendar has been created in collaboration with Cllr Gavin Grant and Andrew Jack to highlight what is available locally, with services spread over the course of the week.

·       The calendar includes various key people and sources including the library, Malmesbury Abbey, King’s Church, the Activity Centre and Riverside Centre.

·       It was outlined that the calendar has the aim of providing for all demographics and locations in Malmesbury, with examples of the Toddler Group and Thermal Thursdays cited.

·       In addition to the Community Fridge and Foodbank, a new Coat bank is opening in partnership with the Riverside Centre and HEALs.

·       St Aldhelm’s Church will also be resurrecting the Luncheon Club at the Town Hall.

Heather Chivers, Trustee of the Malmesbury and District  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To host a discussion with David Loon (Head of Localities) regarding the services provided locally by Green Square Accord.

The Chairman introduced David Loon, Head of Localities for Green Square Accord to the meeting. After which, David Loon spoke to those at the meeting, which included the following points:

·       An overview of Green Square Accord was provided, with it noted that in his role of Head of Localities, Mr Loon was responsible for all of the tenancy and management of Green Square Accord stock, which included 8,000 homes in Wiltshire and around 450 homes in the Malmesbury area.

·       It was outlined that Green Square Accord wanted to attend the Area Board as an opportunity to reconnect with the Malmesbury area.

·       Mr Loon shared that Green Square Accord had introduced new initiatives including a Tenancy Skills Team, which was looking to help those struggling with such issues as rent arrears, child poverty and hoarding.

·       Information was provided that there is a dedicated Tenancy Enforcement Team for when issues arise and conditions need to be enforced, with support provided across all localities.

·       Mr Loon stated that his team is responsible for Age Designated Housing, identified for residents over 50, which are managed within one locality rather than a silo approach.

·       Regarding questions that had been received about customers moving, it was outlined that there is a free national database called HomeSwapper, which enables mutual housing exchange and is available to all Green Square Accord Customers.

·       It was outlined that Green Square Accord have their own Community Impact Fund, which can award grants of up to £500. Further information and guidance was included and attached to the minutes pack.

·       Recently new appointments in the Housing Services team had taken place, with a new Locality Manager and Housing Officer appointed. The contact details were provided for each as follows:

Simon Henstock (Locality Manager) Simon.Henstock@greensquareaccord.co.uk

Emma Cahill (Housing Officer) emma.cahill@greensquareaccord.co.uk

Following the verbal presentation there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

·       It was questioned whether housing providers and developers have conversations about the local landscape, to which it was clarified that generally organisations have preferred areas and with new developments a lot depends on Section 106 agreements and whether the providers have grant funding. Additionally, there are opportunities for providers to speak to landlords regarding stock swaps and transfers.

·       Sympathy was shown towards housing providers having previously had to reduce rent amounts by 1% and now being unable to increase rent amounts due to the cost of living.

·       It was suggested that Green Square Accord make their customers aware of the voluntary services within the area, such as HEALs, Malmesbury League of Friends and Malmesbury Community Trust. All of which would be able to provide support.

·       An additional suggestion was received that a way of tackling anti-social behaviour in rural areas could be to move such tenants to a town environment which would have the resources to deal with such issues.

·       It was clarified that Green Square Accord does not have a policy to sell off rural properties and normally stock is sold when it is not economically  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To receive a presentation from Mercedes Apps (Shared Lives Team Leader).

Mercedes Apps (Shared Lives Team Leader) was unable to attend the Area Board meeting and provided apologies. It was agreed that the Shared Lives Team would be invited to attend and present at a future Area Board meeting.

Fostering

The Chairman drew attention to the Fostering presentation which was received by the Area Board at their previous meeting and stressed the importance of the scheme. It was stated that anyone who would like to get in touch with the Fostering Team could do so via the following details: Phone: 0800 169 6321; text ‘foster’ to 60002 or find out more at www.fosteringwiltshire.uk.

The Area Board will be asked to consider the recommendations from the  25 October 2022 Malmesbury Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) meeting outlined in the report.

Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall introduced the minutes and recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 25 October 2022.

After which, it was;

Resolved:

The minutes of the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group meeting held on 25 October 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

To consider the following applications for funding:

Community Area Grants:

·       Cross Hayes Preschool - £3,000 towards Cross Hayes Preschool Outdoor Shelter.

·       Malmesbury Morris - £500 towards Malmesbury Morris Dancers.

Older and Vulnerable Adults Funding:

·       The Kings Church Malmesbury - £450 towards keep warm at Kings.

·       M and VCAP - £1,912 towards Warm Spaces and Winter Support.

Youth Grants:

·       The RISE trust youth - £3,910 towards Malmesbury safe space and outreach project.

The Area Board considered the following applications for funding:

Community Area Grants:

Cross Hayes Preschool - £3,000 towards Cross Hayes Preschool Outdoor Shelter.

Resolved:

Cross Hayes Preschool was awarded £2,500 towards Cross Hayes Preschool Outdoor Shelter which would be ring-fenced for the applicant until they had raised the remaining part funding.

Malmesbury Morris - £500 towards Malmesbury MorrisDancers.

Resolved:

Malmesbury Morris was awarded £500 towards Malmesbury MorrisDancers.

Older and Vulnerable Adults Funding:

The Kings Church Malmesbury - £450 towards keep warm atKings.

Resolved:

The Kings Church Malmesbury was awarded £450 towards keep warm atKings.

M and VCAP - £1,912 towards Warm Spaces and WinterSupport.

Resolved:

M and VCAP was awarded £1,912 towards Warm Spaces and WinterSupport.

Youth Grants:

The RISE trust youth - £3,910 towards Malmesbury safe space and outreach project.

Resolved:

The RISE trust youth was awarded £3,910 towards Malmesbury safe space and outreach project.

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

The importance of the Fostering scheme was stressed as well as the Grandmentors scheme for those in the local area who might be interested. The Area Board wished those in attendance a merry Christmas.

The next meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board will be held on 28 February 2023.

The date of the next meeting is 28 February 2023.