Agenda item

To note the written updates provided and answer any questions arising from the floor:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       Parish and Town Councils

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

·       Older People / Carers Champion

·       Other Community Groups

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received a verbal update from Sergeant Richard Marshall. An overview was provided of the performance over the last 12 months to September 2021, which included the following points:

An overview of the local priorities for Chippenham was provided, which included the following areas:

• Current issues surrounding the town centre of Chippenham and bike thefts – It was updated that during the past two months, the Police have seen a year high of bike thefts. These thefts have been committed by one group of people, who have now been identified, with the potential that three members of the group will be charged with 30-40 charges including for theft, bike theft, anti-social behaviour and possession of weapons. Op Sleigh is set to take place over the Christmas period, with the hope that there will be a decrease in crime.
• Increase in anti-social behaviour and crimes by a large group of youths in Chippenham town centre – It was noted that this problem is also being caused by the same group of individuals, with acts of abuse towards shop staff and members of the public as well as criminal damage having taken place. The Police are using their power to issue community protection notices, with ringleaders targeted.
• Shop Theft – Also linked to the same group of individuals, normal Christmas increases of shop thefts have taken place, however these have been exasperated by the linked group. The Police are looking to bring the charges together in order to apply serious conditions.
• County Lines and local line drug dealers – The Police recently secured numerous charges on people within local lines dealing high amounts of Class A drugs. The Police have so far secured charges for 4 cases of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Convictions will range from 2 to 6 years, with the hope that this will have a huge impact on the amount of drugs sourced from within Chippenham.

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

·       It was queried whether the CCTV would be able to be placed in specific locations to address concerns. Such requested locations were prominent locations within the town centre, the A350 to act as a visible deterrent for speeding as well as in Pewsham.

·       It was questioned how much of a difference the new HD CCTV is providing to the Police. To which it was clarified that the difference has been positive, with the improved quality allowing for distinguishing features on both property and individuals to now be identified.

·       It was suggested that Sergeant Marshall and Councillor Doctor Nick Murry meet, in order to discuss where new cameras would be best placed for the Cycle Network Group.

·       Clarity was sought regarding the group causing anti-social behaviour issues and bike thefts. It was stated that this group are local (Chippenham, Calne and Bath) although they travel to be together in Chippenham.

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service

The Area Board received a verbal update from District Commander, Tim Elliott. The update covered the following:

• The importance of prevention work was referenced, in order to make sure that fires and incidents don’t occur. The fire service offers Safe and Well visits to those who could be living alone, are over 65 years old, have a health condition or might not have a smoke detector. Safe and Well visits are free and last one hour, covering such topics as individual needs, good practice, cooking and electrical safety. The following phone number: 0800 0382323 and website: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safe-and-well-visits/ can be accessed for those interested in booking a visit.
• There has been on-going interaction by the Protection Team with local businesses and private landlords within the town to raise awareness of general fire safety. Complaints can be raised regarding commercial premises by using the following email:enforcement@dwfire.org.uk as well as calling 01722 691717 during office hours or 0306 7990019 out of office hours.
• The Fire and Rescue Service are currently looking to recruit on-call firefighters, who though they have “normal” jobs during the day, they are available when at home overnight and weekends to be on call. On-call firefighters receive the same level of training and equipment and training as those who are professional. For those interested in becoming an On-call firefighter, further information can be found via the following link: www.dwfire.org.uk/workingfor-us/on-call-firefighters/. 
• There have been no real incidents to respond to since the last Area Board meeting and though incident numbers are higher, it is expected. In particular, possibly linking to the Police update, there have been issues with fire alarms in the Saddlers Mead and Monkton Park Area. The Fire Service are working to reduce anti-social behaviour with partners.

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

• It was encouraged that the Fire Service apply for Area Board grant funding to help fund SPECTRA (previously Salamander) courses.
• The safety concern of Christmas lights on homes was raised, with reassurance provided that communications will be put out in the near future to address fire risk surrounding lights.
• It was acknowledged that it was positive to see that the Safe Drive Stay Alive roadshow has returned to schools. Tim Elliott updated that recently one at Hardenhuish School was cancelled due to Covid restrictions, although this will be rescheduled.

·       BaNES, Swindon & Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BSW CCG)

The Area Board noted written updates attached to the agenda. It was additionally clarified that though the closure of vaccination sites in Wiltshire was referenced within the report, Hathaway Medical Centre in Chippenham will remain open for vaccinations.

• Older People / Carers Champion

The following verbal update was received from Alison Butler, Carers Champion and Rural Representative. The update covered the following:

• Having previously spoken about local water quality at the previous Area Board, Alison had been in touch with Andrew Chatterley at Wessex water, who if the Area Board was to have an environment themed meeting, would be willing to attend.
• Alison updated that she shared the same concerns as Julia Stacey, Older People Champion, that during current challenging times the Council has funded smaller community groups, which have effectively acted as a safety net, doing an excellent job.

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

·       It was stated that Wessex Water could attend Area Board meetings in order to provide partner updates, especially as they will be a key partner for the Chippenham River Festival.

·       During the previous Area Board meeting, funding was awarded to Avon Needs Trees towards the planting of trees on Stanley Lane. Planting is set to take place between now and Christmas, with volunteers welcome to help.