Agenda item

To note the written updates attached to the agenda and to receive any verbal updates from representatives present.

a)    Salisbury City Council (SCC)

b)    Laverstock and Ford Parish Council

c)    Police & Crime Commissioner

d)    Police

e)    Fire

f)      Salisbury BID

g)    Older People’s Champion

Note: Speakers are reminded that they each have a 3 minute slot, unless they have previously discussed alternative arrangements with the Chairman.

The Board noted the following written updates and papers from Partners and Community Groups which were included in the agenda pack:

·       Salisbury Neighbourhood Police Team

·       Dorset & Wilts Fire Update

Partner’s present were then invited to present updates, these included:

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) - Philip Wilkinson

The new PCC gave an update to the meeting following his recent election. The PCC highlighted issues for the police regarding the police station at Bourne Hill and his hopes that it may be possible for there to be a new Salisbury police station which would be more suited to the needs of the police. It was hoped that it may even be possible for this to have a custody suite, as there were currently no facilities for that in Salisbury and anyone arrested and detained had to be taken to Melksham. It was not felt that this was the best use of officers’ time. The PCC was working on outreach to the community ensuring that the wishes, concerns and aspirations of the people of Swindon and Wiltshire were considered.

Police – Inspector Tina Osbourn

The Inspector stated that it had been a busy period, especially with the relaxing of lockdown which had caused an expected spike in crime. It was noted that there had been a series of catapult offences in Salisbury city centre and Bemerton Heath, fortunately these seemed to be reducing and work was ongoing to try and prevent these offences in the future. There had been a series of burglaries in Harnham, for which a man had been convicted and received a 4-year sentence. Community Speedwatch (CSW) work was still ongoing, and the police were supporting CSW volunteers as much as possible. There had been a slight increase in Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), drug dealing and fly tipping, particularly in the Friary, mainly repeat offenders had been responsible and partnership working was underway to deal with matters. Work was also underway to build trust between police and the community in the Friary and the crime had reduced as a result. There had been some issues regarding E-Scooters which had led to some being seized. 4 new PCSO’s were joining the team in the coming weeks which was great news.

In response to questions, it was stated that there was proactive action planned against drugs issues on Bemerton Heath as well as in the Friary. Regarding ‘boy-racers’ at park and ride sites it was explained that this was a known issue that was policed regularly with targeted patrols.

Older People’s Champion – Irene Kohler

Irene Kohler gave details regarding the development of Silver Salisbury which gave older people the chance to contribute to and enjoy various activities and grants received which had helped to support the programme. Details were given of the effect of the pandemic and events and activities which had been held. Positive feedback was received helping to reduce isolation during COVID and beyond. The programme now also covered Amesbury, Wilton and Downton and separate strands of Silver Salisbury could be developed work with these areas in conjunction with the Salisbury programme. The programme aimed to inclusive and to reach all demographics of older people within the community. The group hoped to reach marginalised groups and increase capacity.

Comments received included that Salisbury Pride would be happy to support LGBTQ Silver events.