The Malmesbury Area Board of Wiltshire Council convened on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, at Sherston Village Hall. Key discussions included the election of a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman, updates on local priorities, and the approval of several community grants.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor Martin Smith was elected as the Chairman for the 2024/25 municipal year, and Councillor Chuck Berry was elected as the Vice-Chairman.

Chairman's Announcements

The Chairman provided updates on several topics:

• Consultation on Statement of Licensing Policy
• Local Nature Recovery Strategy - Public Engagement
• Area Board Culture Strategy
• Best Kept Village Competition
• Highways Matters Event – Question Responses

Partner Updates

Wiltshire Police

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector James Brain presented a Community and Road Safety PowerPoint. He addressed speed enforcement measures, youth crime, and drug dealing. The Board discussed improving police response times and local knowledge. Inspector Brain proposed a Meet the Team event, which was well received.

Spurgeons – Family Hubs

Lily Guppy introduced Spurgeons and their work as family navigators, providing support through drop-in sessions and signposting local services. Councillors expressed interest in future collaboration.

Area Board End of Year Report

Andrew Jack, the Strategic Engagement Partnerships Manager, presented the Area Board End of Year Report. Key achievements included:

• Youth Engagement: Successful Local Youth Network with participation from Malmesbury Secondary School.
• Climate Change and Environment: Installation of EV charging points, a climate action networking event, river water quality testing, and a grant for Sherston Cricket Club's Solar PV scheme.
• Reducing Isolation and Loneliness: Success of the Malmesbury Health and Wellbeing Forum, collaboration with Town/Parish councils, and support for Malmesbury Amateur Boxing's Parkinson’s sessions.
• Highway Safety: Collaboration with police on speeding, increased budgets for road maintenance, and progress on Lyneham Banks.
• Community Resilience: Continued success of local food banks.

The Board resolved to note the achievements and thanked Andrew Jack for his work.

Area Board Looking Ahead

The Board adopted the following priorities for 2024/2025:

• Youth Engagement: Cllr Gavin Grant
• Climate Change: Cllr Martin Smith
• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Cllr Chuck Berry
• Highway Safety: Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall
• Community Resilience: Cllr Gavin Grant & Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall

Councillors were also allocated to respective Outside Bodies and the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Area Board Funding

The Board approved several grants:

• Community Area Grants:
  • Sherston Scout Group: £2500 for Scout Hut electrics.
  • Fruitful Malmesbury: £2500 for an Edible Forest Garden.
• Older and Vulnerable Adults Grants:
  • Malmesbury Pickleball Club: £500 for club equipment.
• Youth Grants:
  • HEALS of Malmesbury: £2500 for a Summer Programme.
  • Caerbladon CIC: £2000 for a Youth Arts Studio.
  • The RISE Trust: £2500 for Friday night safe spaces and £2500 for street-based youth engagement.

Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group

The Board approved the recommendations from the LHFIG meeting on 23 April 2024.

The next meeting of the Malmesbury Area Board will take place on 24 September 2024.