Agenda item

To receive updates on the Area Board priorities (listed below) and to celebrate achievements of the Area Board over the last 4 years.

·       Addressing climate change and protecting the environment (Lead Cllr – Cllr Tamara Reay)

·       Improve opportunities for children and young people (Lead Cllr – Cllr Dominic Muns)

·       Valuing and supporting our vulnerable and older people (Lead Cllr – Cllr Simon Jacobs)

·       Increasing the safety of our community (Lead Cllr – Cllr Kelvin Nash)

·       Support those in greatest need and improve their resilience (Lead Cllr – Cllr Iain Wallis)

Lead councillors gave updates on the Area Board Priorities as follows:

·       Addressing climate change and protecting the environment (Lead Cllr – Cllr Tamara Reay).

Cllr Reay stated that some of the main topics under this priority included improving and promoting public transport, increasing walking and cycling, supporting use of electric cars and improving energy efficiency. Quite a lot had been achieved over the last 4 years. This had been a team effort, so thanks were given to Devizes Town Council, Sustainable Devizes, Cycle Friendly Devizes and to officers. There had been a request to look at cycling in the town, so some Area Board Members had been on a cycle ride one Sunday morning.

The Devizes Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) had been developed, this document was a framework and a wish list for what the town would like to see developed, which was backed up by data and had been consulted upon. It could be seen at the link above. It was hoped that some S106 funds from planning applications could be used to help improve matters. Furthermore, Wiltshire Council had received £1 million from Active Travel England and Cllr Reay would advocate for Devizes to get its share of the funding. In relation to improving the infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EV’s) the charging units in Station Road car park had been replaced and Central and Western car parks also had some so there were now 10 in total in Devizes. There had been investment in bus services, and developer agreement for an additional service to Lay Wood which had now been delivered. In addition Wiltshire Connect (demand responsive bus services) had now been expanded to serve Devizes.

·       Improve opportunities for children and young people (Lead Cllr – Cllr Dominic Muns)

Cllr Muns was pleased to hear that the Devizes youth space, which the Area Board had supported was progressing. Cllr Muns detailed how West Lavington Youth Club also supported a lot of youth related projects. Cllr Muns highlighted that a grass roots approach to youth worked really well, however it was sometimes difficult to get a clear picture. Therefore, Cllr Muns detailed the grant funding given by Devizes Area Board to youth work and thanked Cllrs and stakeholders for their hard work in this space.

·       Valuing and supporting our vulnerable and older people (Lead Cllr – Cllr Simon Jacobs)

Cllr Jacobs gave his thanks to a whole host of organisations which supported this priority, including the Lions and the Rotary Clubs who had held lots of events and had really good networks. Likewise, thanks were given to Open Doors and Alzheimer’s Support . Cllr Jacobs, who had been a Cllr for Wiltshire Council for 12 years, stated that the Devizes Area had extraordinary spirit.

·       Increasing the safety of our community (Lead Cllr – Cllr Kelvin Nash)

Cllr Nash, highlighted that the meeting had heard a lot from the police and PCC earlier in the meeting who had done lots of work in this space and on speed enforcement. Having worked with partners at Devizes Town Council and the police there was now a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place in the town centre. Furthermore, a 20mph speed limit had been introduced on some roads in the town centre. Further highways improvements were planned at Caen Hill and Black Dog.

·       Support those in greatest need and improve their resilience (Lead Cllr – Cllr Iain Wallis)

Cllr Wallis highlighted that this priority had changed during the 4 year term and was originally supporting the local economy. Lots of work had been undertaken under that priority, with the Area Board supporting events such as the street festival and the canoe race; promoting Devizes as a destination and working with Vibrant Wiltshire.

Under the current priority, as an example, the Area Board had supported projects to help with the Cost of Living and also supported Open Doors, of which the Chairman was a trustee.

A representative of West Lavington Youth Club was invited to feedback to the Board following previous Area Board funding. It was stated that young people thrived from having access to the youth club. They attended each week and took part in sessions such as cooking and sports. A large number of the attendees had special needs, and the club was able to meet those needs providing a safe space for those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The club also went offsite to take part in trips and activities, such as an ice skating disco, and attending the Melksham Bounce House. A young person from Downlands School who had SEN had joined the club, following a recommendation from their tutor and SENCO at Downlands. This was a very positive step. A quote from a parent who had 2 children attend the youth club, 1 of whom had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and 1 who had Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was read out, which stated that both their children now had more confidence and had been boosted by the club, for which the parent was very grateful.  

Caroline LeQuense (Wiltshire Council Engagement and Partnerships Lead) then gave an update on funding provided by the Area Board over the 4 year term:

·       Community Area Grants (Capital) - £127,727 had been awarded to 57 projects, which had garnered community contributions of £827,682.

·       Older and Vulnerable Adults Grants - £28,467 had been awarded to 24 projects which had garnered community contributions of £336,302.

·       Youth Grants - £87,460 had been awarded to 39 projects which had garnered community contributions of £156,793.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their updates and hard work.