Agenda item

To receive any updates from partner organisations:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service

·       Health

·       BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Community First

·       Health & Wellbeing

·       Pewsey Community Area Partnership

·       Parish Councils

·       Youth

(a)           Wiltshire Police

The Area Board received a written update and presentation from Insp Ben Huggins and Sgt Chris Wickham, Wiltshire Police, which included detail about the Community Policing Team, Wiltshire Police performance to February 2023, hate crime overview and local priorities and updates in relation to the Pewsey area. 

Members and Area Board representatives commented on the lack of neighbourhood Police attendance at Parish Council meetings, Police presence ‘on the ground’ and a need for improved communication with local communities. Insp Huggins acknowledged that there was a need to increase dialogue with Parishes and communities and reminded the Area Board that in the past 12 months the number of Neighbourhood Officers had increased from 1 to 3, substantially increasing the potential for patrols. Insp Huggins also explained the importance of reporting incidents of crime.

The Chairman thanked the Inspector and Sgt for attending the Area Board meeting and responding to questions.

(b)           Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

There was no update report for this meeting.

(c)           Health

The written report attached to the agenda pack was noted. 

(d)           BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

The written report attached to the agenda pack was noted.

(e)           Community First

The written report attached to the agenda pack was noted.

(f)             Health & Wellbeing

Cllr Stuart Wheeler reported that he had attended the Shalbourne annual Parish meeting and would be attending the Burbage Parish meeting later that week. Susie Brew commented on the cost of living grants available and funding available from Community First. The SEPM also referred to the support for communities in relation to school uniforms and the work of the Foodbank and charities such as Ruksak 45218. The SEPM also commented on the deprivation indices and how they would highlight and help in the understanding of issues in particular areas.

(g)           Pewsey Community Area Partnership

Susie Brew referred to the Parish Councils in the community area  annual report for 2022/23, (available to view in the supplementary agenda pack here) which provided details about the work of the Pewsey Vale Tourism Partnership, Pewsey Community Area Partnership, youth activities, Health and Wellbeing Group, the Rail User Group, Cost of Living and Health Grant and other work.  

Colin Gale provided an update on buses and trains highlighting the current state of the Demand Responsive Transport Service timetabled element for larger buses, which included problems in recruiting drivers, uncertainty around the mobilisation date for the Pewsey service and contract/licence issues. He also reported attendance at the TransWilts Stakeholders Conference and AGM. He confirmed that both Pewsey and Bedwyn had provided input to the new Community Rail Partnership with TransWilts, with the proposal being looked on favourably by Great Western Railway.

(h)           Parish Councils

Rushall Parish Council – Colin Gale commented on the number of ‘B’ and ‘C’ roads in the Trowbridge area that had been resurfaced when compared to the poor surface condition of equivalent roads to the east of the county town. Cllr Oatway support this view and reported that he had asked the Cabinet member to meet him to view the poor condition of the A342. The Area Board noted that this invitation had had not been accepted at this stage.       

(i)             Other

Youth – There was no report.