The Trowbridge Area Board met to discuss a range of issues, including the disposal of St Stephen's car park, updates on the Trowbridge Leisure Centre and highways improvements, and to decide on an application to create a legal street art wall in the Hilperton Road underpass, which was approved. The board also received updates from partner organisations, including Wiltshire Police, and discussed the Area Board priorities and action plan.

Legal Street Art Wall

The Area Board voted to approve the creation of a legal street art wall in the Hilperton Road underpass. The proposal supports Wiltshire Council's legal wall policy, which aims to provide appropriate community spaces for street art, decriminalising the activity and allowing artists to create without fear of prosecution.

Some councillors expressed concerns that approving a legal art wall could confuse the public or lead to a rise in graffiti elsewhere. Other councillors, however, drew a distinction between street art and graffiti, arguing that approving a legal wall would not open up other areas to be defaced. It was explained that there would be rules against political or profane content, and volunteers would regularly check the wall to address any such instances. The proposed location at the Hilperton Road underpass was described as not well maintained or pleasant, and it was argued that a creative space for legal public art would be a positive contribution to the community.

The report presented to the board noted that a similar legal wall in Melksham had been successful in cutting down on unwanted graffiti, promoting genuine street art, and saving the council money. The Trowbridge Town Council Neighbourhoods manager supported the initiative, stating that it would enhance the local environment and contribute to the town's visual appeal. The police were also supportive, noting that they had had no issues with the Melksham wall and considered it a great community project.

St Stephen's Car Park

The Chairman, Councillor Stewart Palmén, provided an update on the St Stephen's Car Park, noting that the Cabinet had approved the disposal of the car park to the owner of the adjoining shopping centre, Castle Place. He explained that the Cabinet decision had been 'called-in' to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee for review, who had determined that the decision could proceed. However, Full Council would need to authorise the finance for the Cabinet decision before it could be taken further, and a meeting had been arranged for 7 January 2026 to consider the item.

During the meeting, Helen Hicks asked how, where, and to whom disposal of the car park had been advertised, and whether due diligence research had been carried out on the recipient. Councillor Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of the Council, explained that due to the nature of the legal covenant on the car park and its interrelationship with Castle Place shopping centre, negotiations were direct with the owner of Castle Place.

Councillor Dan Cave, Trowbridge Town Council, asked questions relating to a meeting of Trowbridge Town Council on 6 October, and which Wiltshire Council Members also sitting on the Town Council had been in receipt of the Cabinet report. Cllrs Jacob, Stewart Palmén, and Eunja Palmén confirmed they had received the paper, either through Cabinet or Overview and Scrutiny, although some elements would not have been able to have been disclosed due to exempt information. Councillor Chris Vaughan stated he had been sent the report during Overview and Scrutiny but had not at that time opened it.

Lonnie Milner asked about the decision to undertake essential repairs to the car park and why this had been done if the intention was to transfer the asset. Councillor Jacob explained that the council remained responsible for the car park until such time as it was transferred, and an engineer's report confirmed that the car park was unsafe and needed urgent repairs.

Mike Brain, a local trader, raised concerns about the future of Castle Place shopping centre. It was noted that plans for the site would be in the hands of the owner of the shopping centre, and that it was intended the leisure facility on the top of the building would remain open until early 2027 when the new leisure centre opposite County Hall opened.

Trowbridge Leisure Centre

David Redfern, Director of Leisure, Culture, and Communities, provided an update regarding progress with the development of the new Trowbridge Leisure Centre which is planned to open in early 2027. He outlined the background to the decision to build the new leisure centre opposite County Hall, along with details on the financing, consultation, and review of leisure need in designing the facilities which would be provided. James Dennison, who would be managing the new leisure centre, also provided some additional detail around the building, including the café, meeting room, gym, and swimming pool.

The Board discussed the update and raised a number of additional queries. It was confirmed that discussions with Clarendon School were ongoing regarding the facilities remaining there once the swimming pool was closed, with a focus on the squash courts. There were questions around opening hours, noting commercial operators were often 24 hours access. It was stated that the public sector centres catered to different sections of the market, but that the service had a dedicated commercial team to ensure they were active and aware of commercial requirements and options.

Trowbridge Highways Improvements

The board received a written Update on Trowbridge Highways Improvements. The Chairman expressed disappointment that no officers were able to be in attendance to answer questions regarding the update, and the Board noted the update.

The update covered the Roundstone Street Improvement Works and the Longfield Gyratory & Surrounding Works.

Roundstone Street Improvement Works

The report stated that works on Roundstone Street were approaching completion, with footway improvements scheduled for completion by 28 November, after which the current daytime closure would be lifted and the road reopened. Final carriageway surfacing works were scheduled for the week commencing 8 December, requiring temporary closures on Roundstone Street, part of Church Street, and part of Silver Street. A leak repair was required between Polebarn Road and Hilperton Road, which may necessitate a short road closure. Recent planting near the Yerbury Street junction included three Prunus Kanzan (cherry) trees, and additional planters would be installed opposite the parking area on Roundstone Street, with planting scheduled for November. In January, improvements would be made to the pedestrian ramp and steps leading to Lovemead Car Park.

Longfield Gyratory & Surrounding Works

The report stated that County Way/Tesco junction improvements were complete, as were Cradle Bridge strengthening works. Works adjacent to Cradle Bridge Retail Park and on the inner gyratory were complete, including footway and crossing improvements, carriageway widening, provision of a maintenance bay, and infrastructure for new traffic signal equipment. Footway widening, a raised pedestrian crossing, and an improved signal layout on Castle Street were scheduled for completion by 15 November. Carriageway widening on the County Way exit onto Longfield Gyratory near Brown Street was progressing well.

The report detailed upcoming traffic management measures, including a lane closure on the gyratory between County Way and Brown Street from 10 November to 9 December, during which there would be no entry into Brown Street from Longfield Gyratory. The spur of Brown Street leading to Bridge Street would be closed from 7 November to 21 January 2026 for safe material and equipment placement, with alternative access to Longfield estate via Broadcloth Lane/West Ashton Road. Access into Brown Street would be reinstated from 10 to 22 December, but no exit would be permitted from the Brown Street junction. There would be a Christmas break from 23 December to 4 January 2026, with all restrictions lifted and full access restored. From 5 to 21 January 2026, the exit from Brown Street would be closed, with no travel from Longfield Gyratory towards Bradley Road. From 21 January to 6 March 2026, there would be a partial closure of County Way for carriageway widening, with vehicles able to exit Longfield onto County Way but unable to access Longfield from County Way. Carriageway surfacing, road markings, and permanent detection loop cutting on Castle Street, Brown Street, and around the gyratory (Castle Street to The Lamb) were scheduled for early March, requiring a series of night-time closures.

Area Board Priorities and Action Plan

The Area Board received an update on the Area Board priorities and action plan.

Partner Updates

The Board received updates from or on behalf of external partners.

Inspector Andy Lemon, Wiltshire Police, provided details of increased visibility of officers for town centres in the build up to the Christmas period, and provided assurance around retail and business crime. He explained that a number of frequent shoplifting offenders in the area were currently incarcerated following breaching community behaviour orders. He also provided updated on working with public sector partners, pub watch, and recent work identifying stores selling vapes to underage customers.

Verbal updates were provided in relation to Child Friendly Trowbridge and Trowbridge Future, looking at provision of youth activity across the area as well as ongoing community work by Trowbridge Future, including community fridges, English as a second language sessions, provision of safe spaces for young people and more.

An update was received relating to the Trowbridge Family Hub at County Hall, with details of the high number of families receiving support or being engaged, which was higher than any other community area.

Councillor Roger Evans provided an update on behalf of North Bradley Parish Council. A speed indicator device had now been set up alongside ongoing speedwatch operations. There was frustration at delays with Wiltshire Council relating to the review of the neighbourhood plan in the parish. Councillor Mel Jacob stated she would raise with council officers.

Councillor Jacob also provided an update in relation to Trowbridge Town Council, noting the approval of the town strategy. It was also noted that the Town Hall had now opened following refurbishment from a government grant through Wiltshire Council.

Councillor Peggy Snell provided an update on behalf of Southwick Parish Council. She discussed efforts to get representation from across the parish to assist with the neighbourhood plan, circulation of the village magazine, and engagement with isolated elder people by the parish council. Councillor Chris Brautigam emphasised serious traffic issues through the parish, which he would raise at the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group.

Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The Board resolved to approve the notes and recommendations of the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group, as follows:

• 2nd phase of verge replacement - Manor Road – £5,250 subject to £1750 contribution from Trowbridge Town Council.
• Downside Park – Children Ahead warning sign - £500 subject to £125 contribution from Trowbridge Town Council.