Agenda item

To receive updates from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       Town and Parish Councils

·       Other Community Groups

Updates were received from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received an update from Inspector Peter Foster, which covered the following points:

·       Inspector Foster provided an overview of the recent team changes as well as the responsibilities that he had been given since starting in his position two weeks ago.

·       An arson had recently taken place on London Road for the second time in under a month, with an investigation now taking place with the CID department. Though currently there had been no arrests, it was stated that this was not a risk to the wider public.

·       The Neighbourhood Policing Team had recently conducted some work which had recently led to two local males being given significant sentences for conspiracy to supply drugs.

·       Work has been conducted to reduce anti-social behaviour, including partial closing orders, work with homeless teams and a drugs warrant in Westcroft.

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

·       The Area Board placed on record their thanks to Sergeant James Brain and questioned how they could promote the recruitment of Specials to the Police force.

·       It was raised that in Easton Lane a road closure had been put in place to allow for pedestrian and cycle use, however this has persistently been used illegally by motorbikes and therefore visible policing would be appreciated.

·       Feedback was provided in relation to a recent talk provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, where he stated there was an aim to “get back to basics” in rural areas with working together.

·       It was stated that recently a rural community had worked together to help find a rough sleeper who had almost fallen into the river.

·       Inspector Foster stated that it is harder for the police when they don’t have intelligence and that he is keen to work the PCC to ensure rural communities don’t feel left out.

·       The issue of speeding was raised, with incidents having taken place on the A350 and the A420, Bristol Road.

·       In regard to priorities, it was suggested that the police consider safety at night in Monkton Park, knife crime and anti-social behaviour in the Saddlers Mead carpark. Inspector Foster noted that 11 calls had been logged regarding Saddlers Mead since October and that this was a difficult area to resource and catch people.

·       The Chairman stated that people could keep up to date with the work of the Police through their Facebook and Twitter pages.

·       Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The Area Board received an update from Group Manager Jim Weston, which covered the following points:

·       Jim Weston provided an overview of his team, that covers the Wiltshire Area and included five Station Managers.

·       It was stated that a report provided by the Fire Service would be attached to the minutes and would include a range of links and information to address any safety concerns as well as issues such as flooding.

·       Community Safety work has been ongoing, including prevention work such as Safe and Well visits, which include the fitting of smoke detectors for free.

·       Fire Safety Protection work has been ongoing, and the service has supported authorities and private landlords with safety matters. A link for general enquiries was available within the report.

·       Though Chippenham has a strong staffing level, the service is still looking for more on call firefighters in rural towns.

·       A positive news story was shared regarding how firefighters in Malmesbury resuscitated and saved the life of a gentleman who had had a cardiac arrest.

·       Local Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Derek James was recognised within the New Year’s Honours List with the Kings Fire Service medal.

·       It was stated that recently there has been an increase in demand and calls due to flooding, with the service encouraging people not to drive through flood water and to make plans for their homes should they have concerns.

·       It was noted that in December there had been 3 deliberate fires, no accidental dwelling fires, 6 domestic alarm and 9 non-domestic alarm signals as well as 2 road traffic collisions.

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

·       Cllr Nic Puntis thanked the Fire Service for their work with Wiltshire Council that had prevented flooding related problems. Cllr Puntis also reiterated that drivers should not attempt to drive through flood water and that with the temperature set to drop, the sitting water on roads would likely freeze and pose a danger.

·       It was suggested that the Fire Service conduct a publicity push regarding wishing lanterns, which pose a danger to rural communities.

·       Clarity was provided regarding manhole covers, with it stated that if they have lifted and pose an immediate hazard the Fire Service should be called, but otherwise the My Wilts app should be used to report such issues.

·       Bath and Northeast Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board

The Area Board noted a written update attached to the agenda pack. In addition, Director of Public Health, Kate Blackburn updated that she had spoken to the Director of Place for the Wiltshire ICB and that they would attend a future Area Board to discuss the Chippenham Hospital.

• Alison Butler – Older People’s Champion

The importance of having discussions about end-of-life care with family members was discussed. It was suggested that such a discussion could be worthwhile when the ICB Director of Place would attend a future Area Board meeting.

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

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

·       Town and Parish Councils

Chairman of Castle Combe Parish Council, Fred Winup spoke to the Area Board:

·       Cllr Winup stated that Castle Combe Parish Council had been grateful for the personal interest taken by the Area Board and Cllr Henning as the LHFIG Chairman; as well as how Cllr Henning had written on behalf of the Parish Council since the last meeting of the Area Board.

·       Cllr Winup reiterated how the Parish Council believed that Wiltshire Council briefings had not mentioned safety issues caused by the decision to charge for the use of the Castle Combe carpark.

·       It was stated that the Parish Council had enquired about the consultations that had taken place in relation to the decision, however no information was able to be provided by Wiltshire Council.

·       It was also noted that though the parking charges had been introduced to encourage public transport, this would not be feasible due to there only being three buses a day, which would also not run on Bank Holidays or Sundays.

·       Cllr Winup drew reference to the report included within the Agenda Supplement, which posed questions to the Wiltshire Council Executive.

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

Cllr Puntis stated that there was now a new Cabinet Member for Highways and that he would meet with her to raise the issue.