Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed all those present at the meeting, and introduced a number of guests from Cornwall Council who were attending to observe the Area Board process.

To note any apologies for the meeting.

Apologies had been received from the following:

Gareth Brown – Youth Service

John Tremayne – Easton Gray Parish Council

Mike Franklin – Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 06 November 2013 as a true and accurate record.

The Minutes of the previous meeting held 6 November 2013 were presented and:

Decision

Approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a true and accurate record.

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

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

The Chairman will provide information about:

a.     Drainage

b.     Oxford St Repossession

c.     Scaffolding in Malmesbury

d.     JSA Event

e.     Network Rail Bridge Closures

The Chairman and the Area Board made the following announcements:

1)    Flooding and Drainage Bye Laws

Toby discussed the recent flooding and stated that it is considered to be a serious issue in Wiltshire. Toby said that the Council had responded to a number of significant flooding events which had affected communities across the region in recent years. Toby went on to discuss the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and section 66 of the Land Drainage Act 1991 which allows local authorities to make land drainage byelaws. Byelaws can be used to create criminal offences which can be prosecuted in the Magistrate’s Courts. Toby stated that Wiltshire Council was in the process of using its powers to make byelaws, to help it carry out its duties effectively and in doing so assist with reducing flood risk for local communities. 

2)    Nos. 3,6,12 and 13 Oxford Street, Malmesbury.

Toby discussed the repossession of numbers 3,6,12 and 13 Oxford Street, Malmesbury and the actions the Council had taken with the aforementioned listed buildings, lying in the heart of Malmesbury and within the Malmesbury Conservation Area. The dilapidation of these buildings was said to have been a cause for concern for several years. Toby stated that after being purchased in the 1990s the owner allowed the property to fall into a state of disrepair with several examples of unauthorised and unacceptable works having been undertaken by the then owner. Despite the service of listed building enforcement notices, urgent repair notices and a successful prosecution at Swindon Crown Court, where the a substantial fine was imposed and costs awarded to Wiltshire Council, the owner had continued to allow the buildings to fall into a state of disrepair.

Earlier this year the finance companies, with the assistance of Wiltshire Council’s Planning Enforcement Team, took the case to the High Court and after frustratingly lengthy proceedings, the buildings were ordered to be passed to the ownership and possession of The First County Trust Limited.

Unfortunately the physical repossession was thwarted on more than one occasion however The First County Trust limited now have full possession and, together with Wiltshire Council, have agreed to start planning in early January 2014, to ensure that the buildings are restored to an acceptable standard.

Toby stated that the adjacent graveyard would also be opened as soon as possible.

Residents with any questions are encouraged to contact: Allan Brown. Planning Enforcement at Wiltshire Council (allan.brown@wiltshire.gov.uk) at any time (tel. 01249706646) if further information is required.

3)    Scaffolding in Malmesbury

Simon stated that the scaffolding that had been erected in the town centre that had been causing significant difficulty for local people has now been removed. John went on to thank all those involved with resolving this issue.

4)    JSA Event

John said that the Joint Strategic Assessment (JSA) for Malmesbury and the surrounding villages would be published during the spring of 2014.  John reminded the meeting that the JSA would provide Wiltshire Council with local data about the area we  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To receive updates from the following partners:

The Area Board noted the following partner updates:

Inspector Mark Thompson and Sgt Martin Alvis were in attendance to discuss the Crime and Community Safety Report. The report detailed local crime activity for the Malmesbury Area.

A question was asked on behalf of Ashton Keynes Parish Council regarding the removal of a PCSO from the local Area. Mark confirmed that the area in question had been amalgamated with the neighbouring area, and due to the limited crime activity and restructuring, no longer required separate policing resources.

In addition Mark and Martin discussed the local burglaries that had been reported, and was pleased to announce that 3 male suspects had been arrested, charged and remanded in custody pending a crown court hearing. Martin and mark also discussed the slight increase in minor assaults throughout the region, and the continued drop in Anti Social Behaviour across the community area.

There was no update from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services given at the meeting. An electronic report was provided and would be attached to the Minutes.

There was no update given from NHS Wiltshire at the meeting.

MVCAP Discussed the WW1 Commemorative project that will be taking place across the Malmesbury and Villages Community Area to Mark the centennial anniversary of the beginning of WW1. The Project will create a living memorial to mark the centenary, with volunteers across the community area planting poppy seeds.

MVCAP also noted that works on the topographical survey at Station Yard had been completed, with the Task Group set to meet in February to discuss the findings.

Jill Cainey, Sherston Parish Council, spoke about broadband speeds and the developments in rural areas.  Jill presented details of research currently being undertaken around internet connectivity in rural areas on behalf of OFCOM.  Details were provided and local residents were invited to get involved. John also outlined that details on the full rollout of broadband across the county was being withheld to allow for a competitive tendering process. Therefore exact details of the planned switch-on for Malmesbury could not be revealed, but was able to specify that it would be available by late 2014. John stated that WiltshireOnline would contain further details when available.

There was no update given by the Youth Advisory Group at the meeting.

The deadline for expressions of interest in becoming a member of the Community Operations Board has now passed. Following the receipt of a number of nominations, the next step for the Area Board is to agree the membership for the Community Operations Board. A decision on the COB membership will be made on the night.

The Area Board discussed the nominations that had been received from those wishing to form the membership to the Shadow Community Operations Board. The Area Board were pleased to have received expressions of interest from all the necessary community groups required to constitute the membership.

The Area Board also discussed the appointment of Miranda Gilmour to the COB. At the end of the discussions, the Area Board:

Decision

1)    Agreed the membership of the Community Operations Board as follows:

Wiltshire Council Officer: Sofie Nottingham,

Area Board Representative: Cllr Simon Killane

Town/Parish Council Representative: Catherine Doody

Education and Young People Representative: Dr Alison Simpson

Wider Community Representative: Pete Gilchriest

User and Community Groups: Kim Power, Phillip G Thompson, Miriam Nicholls, Julie Exton.

Additional COB Members: Miranda Gilmour

2)    Agreed that Cllr John Thomson be appointed to the COB, until such time as the COB is deemed to be fully operational.

Agreed that the newly appointed Malmesbury Community Operations Board would discuss dates to arrange a formal inaugural meeting.

The Community Area Manager will provide a summary of current community issues and debate the closure of the following issues:

·       Issue 2419: Severe and prolonged flooding in Back Lane, Alderton.

·       Issue 3035: Number of HGV and their speed using School Hill, Brinkworth. 

·       Issue 3155: Installation of bollards in Burnivale, Malmesbury.

·       Issue 3173: Safety concerns about fence at old Railway Close, Malmesbury.  

·       Issues 2599 and 2798: Perceived speeding and HGV on Callow Hill, Brinkworth and HGV/weight limits on School Hill.

And to refer the following issues to the Community Area Transport Group:

·       Issue 3134: Consideration of a pedestrian crossing in Corston to improve pedestrian safety. 

·       Issue 3151: Consider a range of options to address speeding through Foxley village and the Malmesbury town end of Foxley Road (C68). 

·       Issue 3164: Concerns about crossing the A429 at Blicks Hill, Malmesbury

Miranda Gilmour, Community Area Manager, gave a summary of the Issues report, highlighting in particular the recommended issues for closure.

A number of questions were asked in relation to the proposed closure of issue 3035, regarding the speed of HGV’s on School Hill, Brinkworth. The Area Board discussed suggestions to introduce a 20 mph speed limit in the area, and its enforceability. Mark Thompson and Martin Alvis from Wiltshire Police were able to confirm that the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable for Wiltshire Police had expressed intentions to enforce restrictions in 20 mph zones in future. The Area Board then discussed possible speed restriction devices that could be managed by the school during school hours.

Discussion was also held over issue 3135: Installation of Bollards in Burnivale. Some local representatives expressed concern over the installation of bollards. John and Simon were able to confirm that whilst some residents had concerns, the private land owner had the legal right to place such measures on the land, and as a result, Wiltshire Council was powerless to prevent such installations. John and Simon suggested that community pressure may be the only measure to prevent the land owner installing the bollards, and suggested that those with concerns address the land owner directly. At the end of the discussions, the Area Board:

Decision:

1)    Agreed to close the following community issues:

a)    Issue 2419: Severe and prolonged flooding in Back Lane, Alderton.

b)    Issue 3035: Number of HGV and their speed using School Hill, Brinkworth.

c)    Issue 3155: Installation of bollards in Burnivale, Malmesbury.

d)    Issue 3173: Safety concerns about fence at old Railway Close, Malmesbury.

e)    Issues 2599 and 2798: Perceived speeding and HGV on Callow Hill, Brinkworth and HGV/weight limits on School Hill.

2)    Agreed to refer the following Community Issues to the Community Area Transport Group.

a)    Issue 3134: Consideration of a pedestrian crossing in Corston to improve pedestrian safety.

b)    Issue 3151: Consider a range of options to address speeding through Foxley village and the Malmesbury town end of Foxley Road (C68).

Issues 3164 & 3190 Concerns about pedestrians crossing the A429 at Blicks Hill, Malmesbury

Councillors will be asked to consider the Community Area Grants report and make recommendations on the following funding applications:

1.     Athelstan Museum - £2,000 towards the installation of mezzanine lighting.

2.     Ashton Keynes Junior Football Club - £698 towards goal posts for Bradstone Sports Ground.

3.     MinetyMunchkins –£311 towards the cost of play mats.  

4.     Alderton Village Hall –£500 towards the cost of renewing the flat roof.

Miranda Gilmour, Community Area Manager, presented the Community Funding Report and highlighted the projects that had applied for funding.

Decision

1)    APPROVE Athelstan Museum application for £2,000 towards the installation of mezzanine lighting.

Reason

The application met the core funding criteria 2013/14 and would provide excellent facilities for the community.

2)    APPROVE Ashton Keynes Junior Football Club application for £698 towards goal posts for Bradstone Sports Ground.

Reason

The application met the core funding criteria 2013/14 and would provide facilities for exercise and enjoyment.

3)    APPROVE Minety Munchkins application for £311 towards the cost of play mats.

Reason

The application met the core funding criteria 2013/14 and would provide materials to support local parents and children.

4)    APPROVE Alderton Village Hall application for £500 towards the cost of renewing the flat roof.

Reason

The application met the core funding criteria 2013/14 and would ensure the provision of excellent local community space.

Following on from the health theme at the last meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board, Steve Wheeler, a member of the Healthwatch Board will be in attendance to discuss the role of Healthwatch and to answer any questions.

Steve Wheeler, Healthwatch Wiltshire, was in attendance to discuss the role of Healthwatch in Wiltshire. Steve discussed the background and history regarding the formation of Healthwatch as a watchdog agency for healthcare services.

Key roles of Healthwatch include its role in promoting the voice of consumers in the development of health and social care strategies. Healthwatch also aims to be a critical friend to commissioners and providers of health and social care across the regions, and to act as a signposting and information sharing service for users. Steve outlined the agencies that Healthwatch work alongside, and the reporting structure for its findings.

Steve stated that Healthwatch was reliant on volunteers to fulfil its responsibilities. Healthwatch is looking for volunteers who will bring a variety of skills and a fresh perspective, offer time and passion to particular projects, add value to the work of Healthwatch Wiltshire and support its sustainability.

The following roles are available for volunteers who express an interest in supporting the remit of Healthwatch. These include:

Healthwatch Associates - people in the community who are sympathetic to HWW’s aims and objectives and who wish to be kept informed of its activities in the field of health and social care;

General Volunteers - needed to establish and maintain liaison between Healthwatch and existing organisations and groups by attending networking events and meetings, manning display stands at such events, and collecting and disseminating information;

Specialist Volunteers - who will take part in all of the above, but will also have appropriate skills to undertake Enter and View assignments.

Steve also discussed the possibility of appointing a representative to the Malmesbury Area Board who would act as a liaison between Healthwatch and the Community Area.

Steve outlined the following Volunteer Consultation Dates where interested individuals could attend and learn more about the potential roles available:

Wednesday 29 January 2014: Corn Exchange Devizes: 10 am – 12 noon

Tuesday 4 February 2014: Salisbury Methodist Church: 1 – 3 pm

Thursday 6 February 2014: Neeld Hall Chippenham: 10 am – 12 noon

Simon questioned the role and relationship with the CQC and how the organisations overlapped in their remit. Simon asked for clarity regarding the two. Steve was able to confirm that Healthwatch reported findings to the CQC and also conducted inspections, although not to the same level of detail. A discussion was had regarding care packages, and how Healthwatch could inspect care agencies. It was confirmed that Healthwatch is primarily concerned with the quality of care providers.

Laurie Bell, Associate Director: Communities and Communications will be in attendance to update local communities on the events and activities following the success of 2012 and the legacy of this extraordinary year.  Throughout 2014 there will be a series of major events which will impact on communities across the county. Laurie will also be discussing centenary plans to commemorate the beginning of World War One.

Laurie Bell, Associate Director: Communications and Communities, made a presentation to the Area Board on the Legacy for Wiltshire over 2014.

Laurie gave a presentation outlining what had been done since 2012 to support the local economy. This included local trade expo’s and big business events to attract independent business across the region to build new relationships and attract new customers. Laurie outlined plans for Business and Sporting Dinners, which were events to link local elite athletes with sponsorship and support. In addition, trade EXPO events had been planned for June in Chippenham.

Laurie outlined what had been done to promote healthy and active lifestyles since 2012, including health fairs and a number of health challenge initiatives. Future events for 2014 include the Cycle Wiltshire event taking place in May. All levels of cyclists are encouraged to attend the event, which will see a number of cycle routes. Laurie outlined ‘The Big Pledge’ which encourages individuals and groups to make a pledge to improve health and wellbeing. Laurie outlined  some potential pledge ideas.

Laurie then outlined the plans for WW1 Commemorations across the county including a county wide event in connection with the military to take place on 30 July 2014. Laure also welcomed MVCAP plans to mark the centenary with poppies across Malmesbury and recognised the success of the PHEW programme that saw over 4000 people take part in nearly 70 events during 2013.

Kieran Kilgallen, Chief Executive for the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office will present the Crime Plan and consult on the Budget for 2014/15. Kieran will also be available to answer any questions on the night.

Kieran Kilgallen, Chief Executive of the Police and Crime Commissioners Office, was in attendance to discuss plans to increase the precept. Kieran outlined the reduction in central government funding and the £25m funding gap expected by 2016/17 at the current rate of contribution. Kieran discussed the value for money in terms of precept rates for surrounding counties and local authorities. Kieran then outlined the strain on frontline resources at the current precept rate and highlighted the reduction in Police Officers, PCSO’s and Support Staff since 2011.

Kieran outlined the proposals for a £3.15 increase per household which would provide an additional £750k for 2014-15. This would reduce the funding gap by £2.3m over three years, which would in turn reduce the amount of savings required to be made by the Commissioner from £14.8m to around £12.5m.

Kieran outlined a number of initiatives that are aimed at saving the police money. These include a £1.8m investment in communications centre ‘refresh’, a £1.3m for new mobile and remote working equipment and £8m for IT infrastructure improvements. The Police were also exploring ways to enable flexible working for its staff, and pointed to the success of the arrangements between Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council at the Monkton Park Offices in Chippenham.

Kieran ended by stating the consultation period was due to run from Monday 6 January – Monday 3 February 2014, during which time all comments and concerns raised would be considered. Further information can be found on www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk.

Chuck stated that universal funding presented a problem for community areas such as Malmesbury, who essentially paid the same rate for Police Services as those who place a higher burden on resources.

A number of concerns have been raised around these areas, and Simon and Toby will be available to answer any questions on Neighbourhood Plans or the emerging Core Strategy.

Toby and Simon outlined the developments to the Core Strategy stating that a draft plan had been submitted and reviewed by the planning inspectorate. Within the core strategy, a detailed plan of housing needs was identified and this was considered to be an insufficient amount. Of the 5000 homes planned within the Core Strategy, currently 1900 had been identified. It was expected that the Core Strategy would be formally ratified by the Council in August 2014. The impact for Malmesbury and the Villages would be co-ordinated and communicated at a later date.

The Area Board conducted a satisfaction survey with those in attendance to identify the success or failures of the evening’s events. Overall the meeting was well received, with particular satisfaction noted for the venue, agenda and Chairman...

The next meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board would be at Malmesbury Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Malmesbury SN16 9BZ, Wednesday 5 March 2014 at 7pm.