Agenda item

To receive updates from the Town and Parish Council Representatives, and from other partner organisations, including outside bodies on which the Area Board is represented.

To note the written reports attached to the agenda from:

·         Police

·         Healthwatch Wiltshire

·         Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

The Chairman referred to the updates set out in the agenda and invited further updates from Town/Parish Councils and other Partners, including outside bodies.  It was noted that the preferred option was for written updates, to minimise time spent during the meeting.

Police – Inspector Nick Mawson

Included in the written report in the pack, was info from Chief Constable Mike Veale, regarding the use of the taser.

The National Threat level had increased from severe to critical, that meant an attack was imminent, Locally, Wiltshire Police had critical plans in place, no local threat was known in Wiltshire, however we must be prepared. Additional controls were out, in town centres, train stations, and at tourist attractions, but were just there as a reassurance to the public.

In some areas, military Police were also on patrol; as the Police had accepted their assistance, this was more visible on the plain and around the barracks.

The Police had more staff on the ground, however the public were the eyes and ears effectively. He urged people to let them know if they were unsure about a situation, to enable them to make a judgement.

Questions:

·         There was an incident recently where a lady was followed in her car at 9.30pm, where a man tried to make her pull in. She reported it, was told there was nothing they could do.

·         There had been cars speeding late at night through the winterbournes, these incidents should all be reported, so the police can build up a log.

·         Answer: We are stretched as are many organisations, we need to prioritise issues, so if everything is logged we can deal with some reports when they come in and if not prioritised professionally.

·         Would the Police attend events such as village fetes, due to threat level? Answer: You may well not see Police at local events at the moment, as we may have to re-prioritise our duties. For at least 2 weeks this will be our change of focus.

·         The Amesbury carnival is due to take place in the week commencing 12 June, were there any special measures we should be considering that we may not have prior to the threat level? Answer: Make sure your community has a Threat plan, a Community communication plan, an evacuation plan, and a list of stewards, and that all of this is up to date.

Fire – Tom Brolan, District Commander for Amesbury and Pewsey

In addition to the written report circulated at the meeting, Tom gave the following update:

·         It had been just over a year since the combination. A Chief Officer had been appointed and the service was revising areas such as IT and HR, there was lots of behind the scenes work going on.

·         Jim Marnie Assistant manager was interviewed on BBC, at no point were any 999 calls unanswered.

·         Tom drew attention to the links provided in the handout, where people could request a home visit from a safety advisor.

·         The statistics detailed recent incidents for the area. 

·         There were currently 4 newly recruited Firefighters in development. He urged people if they knew of anybody who may be interested in becoming a retained firefighter to spread the word that a recruitment drive was underway.  Amesbury held their crew drill on a Wednesday  evening, anyone interested was welcome to come down and talk to the officers.

Question

Was there a restriction on how fast people could get to the station?

Answer: Usually within 5 minutes. There was a rule and we can be relaxed about this for the second pump, by extending that to 7 minutes.

The Packway road closures - Cllr Wright

There has been a situation in Durrington, two weeks previously, when the 4 way traffic lights had been installed. This caused gridlocked, with traffic backing up from the Stonehenge roundabout in all directions. This could cause a serious incident, so Cllr Wright had spoken to the company carrying out the work, and managed to get them to agree to reduce the timescale of the works from 8 weeks to 3. This would be achieved by working longer hours, with a 3 way system working instead of 4. He advised that if people could travel at less busy time, it may be beneficial to do so.

From the 4^th July the route will be one way working only, with the east side closed, the only access in a west direction. For 7 weeks, there would be no travel permitted from Shrewton to Durrington in a westerly direction. If signs could be placed then they would be.

Another statement would be circulated nearer the time. He urged people to feed this update back to the parish councils.

Question

When all of the roads were finished would Highways or WC repair all of the smaller roads which were going to be used as rat-runs?

Answer: I don’t know, this could be taken to highways as an issue to ask what they intend to do.

The CEM had spoken to Highways and the Military, there were no further updates, if any should come in then these would be circulated.

Community Events

Durrington weekend would take place on Saturday and Sunday 15 & 16 July – attractions to include the duck racing, a jumble sale, a flower and produce show, music in the recreation ground and a vintage vehicle event on the Sunday only. Free entry for members of the public.

Amesbury carnival would take place in the week of 12 – 17 July, with a week of events starting on the Monday. There would be a free event on the Friday, with no alcohol. Ending with the Carnival on the Saturday.

Winterbourne fete would take place on 1 July

Steeple Langford fete would take place on the 17 June.

The CEM encouraged people to let him know in advance of upcoming events as he was able to publicise on the community website.