Agenda item

To receive any updates from partner organisations:

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group

·       Older People’s Champion and Partnership for Older People (POPP)

·       Pewsey Community Area Partnership

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

(a)           Healthwatch Wiltshire

There was no update from Healthwatch Wiltshire. 

(b)           NHS Wiltshire CCG

There was no update from NHS Wiltshire CCG.

(c)           Older Peoples Champion

Dawn Wilson provided an update for the Area Board. Dawn reported that the Health and Wellbeing Group had a joint meeting with the COVID-19 Recovery Group to discuss issues of mutual interest.  Concern was raised about the initial lack of flu vaccinations for the over 65 age group in Pewsey, although this matter was now being resolved. Other Groups had now closed for the duration of the new national restrictions for COVID-19 during November.

Cllr Wheeler reported that Burbage had no issues with the supply of flu vaccinations and the NHS did a brilliant job in providing the vaccinations from the Village Hall.

(d)           Wiltshire Police

The update from Wiltshire Police, included in the agenda pack was noted.

(e)           Pewsey Community Area Partnership

Colin Gale provided an update in relation to the Transport Group and raised the following points:

·       Better Deal for Bus Users – Colin had submitted a proposal to Wiltshire Council for a new bus route under the Better Deal for Bus Users scheme and was waiting for a response. 

·       Department for Transport survey from Great Western Railway – the survey was received to gather ideas for the decarbonisation of transport.  The survey was forwarded to Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Waste, the three local Councillors for Pewsey area, Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council and local MP’s. The only response received was from the Leader of Wiltshire Council, in relation to the inclusion of Devizes Gateway Station. Following the 2021 boundary changes, Lydeway will be part of the Pewsey Area, at which point there will be three stations in the Pewsey Area.  The survey was submitted highlighting the need for additional westbound trains, especially for young people, and the electrification programme requiring an extension to what was originally planned.

·       Great Western Railway (GWR) Stakeholder Conference – Colin reported that he had recently attended this conference online, headlines included the timetable returning to nearly the same service as pre-Covid but with a significant drop in users.  This was due to a drop in the number of commuters. GWR will be concentrating efforts on encouraging leisure users and tourism once restrictions are lifted.  

·       The Pewsey Rail User Group  - met with the Bedwyn Rail User Group and the Devizes Gateway Group.

Susie Brew provided an update in relation to the Economy Group and raised the following points:

·       Itineraries Project – Looking to secure funding from the Co-op Community Fund towards the Pewsey Vale Tourism Partnership towards the Itineraries Project

·       The Group have many projects in the pipeline that require funding which is still being sought.

·       Pewsey Vale Tourism Partnership – GWR indicated, as above, that they were interested in becoming members of the Partnership once the restrictions for Lockdown 2 have been lifted and they would also advertise for the Partnership.

·       Distributing newsletters to businesses about grants and loans.

·       The Group had deferred the renewal process until October 2020 to help people with cashflow issues.

(f)       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

          The update from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, included in the agenda pack was noted. 

          Cllr Oatway reported that the Fire and Rescue Service was providing their normal service. In addition, they were involved in a number of community projects during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing help to the ambulance service.

(g)      Parish Councils

There were no parish council updates.