The Chippenham and Villages Area Board met to discuss community projects, funding, and local issues. Councillors agreed to grant funding for several local initiatives, including crime reduction measures, community events, and village improvements. The board also received updates on the Chippenham Avon Project, the re-establishment of the Chippenham Carnival, and various partner activities.

Chippenham Avon Project

Andy Wallis from the Environment Agency gave an update on the Chippenham Avon Project, a £24 million scheme to improve flood defences in the town. The project includes work on the river channel, the sluice gate and weir, which are coming to the end of their life. The board noted that a recent consultation indicated that Defra¹ would fund 90% of the essential flood risk elements, leaving Wiltshire Council to fund the remaining 10%, or £1.8 million. The board were reminded that the cabinet had previously agreed to allocate £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) ² funding and would be considering increasing this to £1.8 million on 11 November 2025.

Board members raised concerns about a £4.5 million shortfall in local choice funding and the impact on the project's completion. They also discussed the plans in place for potential flooding events, the reasons for Wiltshire Council's funding contribution, and the involvement of councillors in the project's design.

Concerns were raised about the project being delayed by a further 12 months, and that this detail had not been included in the report being considered by Cabinet on 11 November 2025 where the increase in CIL funding would be considered. Andy Wallis confirmed that £16 million had been allocated to the project at this stage and this was subject to support and funding being achieved locally, and that funding would be drawn down as the project proceeds.

The Area Board discussed the project in terms of flood management and risk mitigation for Chippenham and the future of catchment management contributing towards reducing the flood risk in Chippenham, and noted that the catchment area was very large and extended from Gloucester.

Area Board Funding

The Area Board approved several funding applications:

• £2,500 was awarded as an Area Board Initiative Grant to the Chippenham and Villages Area Board for a By Brook and Nearby Communities Crime Reduction ANPR Camera.
• Yesterday Story CIC was awarded £495 for the Chippenham Our History Podcast.
• £1,000 was granted to Chippenham Shed for insulation materials for their workshop extension.
• Chippenham Folk Festival Community Interest Company received £2,094 for a DDA[^4] compliant ramp for the Community Stage at the Folk Festival Family Make & Do Tent.
• Hullavington Community Benefit Society Limited was granted £4,365 for the Hullavington Village Green Improvement Project.
• The Heritage Trails Project was awarded £324.75 towards printing costs.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group

The Area Board received the notes of the LHFIG meeting held on 16 October 2025 and noted the funding allocations listed in section 11 of the LHFIG - 16th Oct 2025 Chippenham Note Tracker FINAL.

Partner Updates

Sgt Jamie Ball from Wiltshire Police provided an update, including a welcome to PC Chris Marshall and PC Hayley Hardie, who had recently joined the Neighbourhood Policing Team. Sgt Ball spoke about a recent modern slavery investigation, the Police community commitment, force performance, community engagements, crime statistics, operational priorities and how to get involved.

The Area Board received written updates from:

• The Neighbourhood Policing Team
• Wiltshire Police Violence Against Women and Girls Quarterly Update
• Wiltshire AGE UK Newsletter
• Chippenham Area Parish Forum Meeting Notes 24.09.25

Re-Establishment of Chippenham Carnival

Tracey Steele, Secretary of the Chippenham Carnival Volunteer Committee, gave a presentation about proposals to restore a carnival to Chippenham in 2026. Councillor Adrian Foster suggested that the Rotary Club and Lions Club could be approached for support.

Teen Takeover

Councillor Liz Alstrom and Ros Griffiths, Strategic Engagement and Partnership Manager, gave a presentation about the Teen Takeover event held on 18 and 19 October 2025 in Chippenham. 25 different organisations and providers took part, delivering 50 sessions across 12 different venues. Over 1200 activity spaces were filled, with 915 bookings made directly through the Ticket Source website.

Information Items

The Area Board noted the BSW Together (Integrated Care System) Update and the Family and Community Learning Impact Report 2024/25. The Family and Community Learning Impact - Cover note stated that the report highlights the transformative power of adult learning across Wiltshire, showcasing how inclusive, community-centred education delivered in partnership with local organisations has empowered hundreds of residents to build confidence, develop essential skills, and take positive steps in their lives.