Agenda item

To receive any updates from partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

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

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       POPCAN

·       Town and Parish Councils Nominated Representatives

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received a verbal update from Inspector Al Lumley. An overview

was provided of the performance over the last 12 months to November 2021, which included the following points:

• Comparative data was provided which saw Westbury very aligned with the rest of the force, suggesting that there is not one specific issue affecting Westbury.
• An overview of Hate Crime was provided, including a breakdown of the 5 specific types of Hate Crime. The statistics for Westbury were in line with the rest of the force, however one particular area that stood out was Sexual Orientation prejudice which had seen a significant increase. Inspector Lumley noted that this was predominantly involving repeat victims and offenders, therefore meaning that it was not a wider issue of the community culture. Work is being conducted with individuals to curve this spike.

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

• Op Elf – This was an operation that took place in the build up to Christmas in order to provide a visible presence around the town’s shops to dissuade potential thieves and reassure the public.
• Shoplifting Offences – It was noted that shoplifting offences in Westbury are at the lowest rate for the long time, with crimes remaining below average rates for the previous 8 consecutive months. There was however a spike in shoplifting in February/March last year, so teams will continue to work to prevent.
• Rural Crime – It was noted that hare coursing and poaching offences increase at this time every year and though there was an increase in Westbury in line with the season, there was a 37% reduction in rural crime when compared to last year. The importance of reporting to gain intelligence was stressed.
• Youth ASB – There has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in Westbury recently, with groups from Warminster and Trowbridge joining local groups and causing issues. There is a need for parents and guardians to be inquisitive about there their children have been as it’s not too late to stop those on the periphery from being dragged into more serious crime.
• Cannabis Farm – In January a large professional Cannabis cultivation site, containing over 2,000 plants was discovered. The investigation around this continues but residents are asked to be on the lookout for similar sites.

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

to be raised:

• The figures for Stop and Searches were congratulated, with 72.3% resulting in no further action. It was questioned what lessons had been learnt for the future? Inspector Lumley stated that noticed patterns are fed back into annual refresher training and that the searches only take place if the police have suspicion to stop someone.

• An observation was made that in the past 3-4 months in the town centre there has been a significant increase in new young people causing nuisance, attempting to purchase alcohol and riding scooters inappropriately. There is a group of 20 people, who can be loud and intimidating. A plea was made to the police to put resources into resolving this issue before it increases in the better weather.

• An observation was made that in the Oldfield Park area there has been a spike in cars being damaged by petty vandalism and scratching.

• Praise was given to Horsewatch for helping the rural community.

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

The Area Board noted a written update attached to the agenda as well as a Vaccination Stakeholder Briefing.

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

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

• POPCAN (Penleigh Park Group)

The Area Board received an update from Sheila Kimmins on behalf of POPCAN. The update covered the following matters:

• This week POPCAN met for the first time this year and planned several events to take place in the summer; including 3 skateboarding events as well as dodgeball.
• Residents of Oldfield Road, Phoenix Rise and the Penleigh area have been planning a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

• Town and Parish Councils

John Pollard provided an update on behalf of Edington Parish Council. The update covered the following matters:

• Edington Parish Council is trying to come out of the pandemic by planning a variety of events in the village, with more activities involving a wellbeing angle.

·       Work is being done to improve traffic through the village with a 20mph speed limit recently approved.