Agenda item

To receive any verbal updates, in addition the following written updates are attached to the agenda:

·       Fire

·       Police

·       NHS

(a)  Fire and Rescue Service

The Area Board noted the report circulated with the agenda papers.

(b)  Police Service

Vision Wiltshire had been set up to deliver a new policing model to meet the projected funding cuts over the next 4 years.

There had been a slight increase locally in the theft of lead.  In Ludgershall there had been complaints regarding noise in the High Street.  Tidworth had experienced some anti-social behaviour and fly tipping.

Community speedwatch currently operated for 106 days per year and the Area Board was asked whether it would consider supplying more equipment so that the operation could be expanded.

Decision

The Area Board would consider this matter, discuss the implications with the Police and give an update report at the next meeting.

Action

Mary Cullen, Community Area Manager to look into this matter.

(c)  Wellington Academy

The Academy had recently held two open days.  A third open day would be taking place on 15 June from 3pm to 7pm.  The Secretary of State had visited the school.

The School’s football teams had achieved great success in recent tournaments.

On 25 May the Community Awards would take place at 7pm in the theatre at the Academy.

(d)  Windmill Hill Children’s Centre

The Children’s Centre was now managed by 4Children.  A letter giving further details of the organisation is attached as an appendix to the minutes.  The Centre would continue in some form as all centres in Wiltshire would be staying open.  However, there would be some cuts in funding and it would be important to focus on the most vulnerable children.  The main concern was currently poor speech and language skills amongst the children.

(e)  Extended Schools

A parenting support programme had recently taken place and children could be referred through their schools.  Parent Support Advisors were available at the Wellington Academy and the local feeder schools and could be accessed via the school, contact Julie Tremlin, E-mail: julie.tremlin@thewellingtonacademy.org.uk

Free Time is a national scheme being implemented in all maintained schools in the country.  It is specific, ringfenced funding designed to subsidise access to Out of School Hours Learning clubs and activities for economically disadvantaged children and young people and children in care, who might not otherwise be able to pay some or all of the charge associated with taking part.  Further information is available on the council website using the following link http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schoolseducationandlearning/schoolsandcolleges/parentadvice/educationgrants/wiltshirefreetimegrant.htm

(f)   CAYPIG

An event entitled “Creative Juices” would take place at the Wellington Academy in May.  There would be a dance and music workshop and also an opportunity to watch the performers.  This was a free event funded by the Area Board.

(g)  Army

At the end of June/July soldiers would be moving into Tedworth House which was a facility which had been funded by the Help the Heroes charity.  A long distance event would be taking place on 5 June in Tedworth Park and on 9 July a Polo event would be taking place in Tedworth Park.

Many soldiers would be deployed on operations over the next 2 years which would have an impact on the local area.

(h)  TCAP

A meeting of the Community Plan Co-ordinating Group had taken place to refresh the plan.  Consultation would shortly be taking place.  The consultation would take place through parish councils, on-line and also using hard copy questionnaires.  The questionnaire would be available in the autumn.