The Devizes Area Board met on Monday 02 March 2026, addressing a range of community issues including canal pollution, highway improvements, and local funding applications. Key decisions included the approval of funding for several community projects and the noting of minutes from previous meetings.

Canal Pollution and Development Concerns

The meeting began with updates on environmental concerns, including the ongoing investigation into dead fish in the canal. Councillor Dominic Muns, Chairman of the Devizes Area Board, reported that enquiries were continuing with the Environment Agency (EA) and the Canal & River Trust (CRT) to identify the cause, noting that algal toxins had been ruled out. He acknowledged that in some cases the source is never determined, but given the high level of local concern, Members would try to find out more. Separately, Councillor Philip Whitehead highlighted a distinct incident of canal discolouration near the Lay Woods development, which the EA was also investigating, believing it to be a discharge of dirty water from the construction site.

Highway Improvements and Traffic Management

Significant updates were provided on local highway improvements. The Chairman announced that traffic lights had been installed and activated at the Black Dog Crossroads, a project initiated in July 2024, and were reported to be functioning effectively with an adaptive system. Councillor Tamara Reay, Vice-Chairman of the Devizes Area Board, updated on proposed safety improvements at the junction of Caen Hill, Poulshot Road, and Marsh Lane, which had been identified as dangerous by local residents. Formal proposals were expected within weeks, and she noted that the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for a proposed speed limit reduction on Caen Hill had already been consulted upon.

Community Governance Review

The Chairman also provided an update on the Community Governance Review (CGR) affecting parishes within the Devizes, Marlborough, and Royal Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Area Board areas. This review aims to ensure that parish arrangements and boundaries remain effective and reflective of local community identity. Draft recommendations were anticipated by late March or early April, followed by a public consultation period from April to June. Parishes were encouraged to review the recommendations and submit comments.

Partner and Community Updates

Inspector Simon Garrett of the Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) presented a summary of crime statistics for December and January, indicating stable overall crime levels with noted increases in arson, criminal damage, sexual offences, and burglary, alongside reductions in theft, drug offences, and vehicle crime. He highlighted that the majority of violent crime occurred in private settings, with approximately one incident every two days in public spaces. Detection rates were reported as strong. Inspector Garrett also addressed concerns raised by members regarding the impact of diversion routes, particularly through Bishops Cannings, and the potential for HGV-related issues during upcoming road closures, acknowledging that traffic management primarily fell under Wiltshire Council Highways. He also discussed ongoing work regarding street drinking in Devizes town centre, noting that data indicated a reduction in incidents, supported by the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

Councillor Iain Wallis of Devizes Town Council (DTC) provided an update on local initiatives, including the Devizes Gateway rail project, with an announcement regarding Westbury Station expected to be significant for the Devizes scheme. He also confirmed the placement of a Speed Indicator Device (SID) near Nursteed Road, part-funded by the Local Highways and Footpaths Improvement Group (LHFIG), with plans for four SID sites in total. DTC was also preparing a bid for the Town of Culture initiative, with a deadline at the end of March.

Richard Rogers, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM), provided updates on Area Board priorities, including ongoing work with young people, a Food Ladder workshop to address food insecurity, and the transition to the new Crisis Resilience Fund aimed at promoting long-term resilience. He also outlined efforts to engage with parish councils to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG)

Councillor Philip Whitehead, Chairman of the LHFIG, reported on the group's last meeting on 4 December 2025. The Board resolved to note the minutes from this meeting and approved a funding recommendation for six sets of dropped kerbs on Nursteed Road, Devizes, at a cost of £9,000 (£6,750 from LHFIG and £2,250 from DTC), to assist wheelchair users in accessing the medical centre.

Air Quality and Sustainable Transport (AQST)

Councillor Tamara Reay updated on the Air Quality and Sustainable Transport (AQST) Group's work. The group is focused on promoting sustainable transport and improving air quality, with available Section 106 developer contributions to support relevant initiatives. An extensive review of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) had taken place. Updates were provided on a proposed pilot scheme with Zelf for vehicle hire and the securing of £5 million in Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding to support EV charging solutions, particularly for residents without off-street parking. Discussions also covered potential improvements at the Shane's Castle junction and a commissioned survey for the Le Marchant path to inform potential improvements for walking and cycling. The group is also progressing initiatives around schools to support safer active travel routes, with a deadline for school-related active travel funding applications approaching at Easter 2026.

Area Board Funding Decisions

The Area Board considered and approved several applications for funding:

• The Little Cheverell Village Hall was awarded £513.18 towards hot water and comfortable chairs.
• Sustainable Devizes received £2,500 towards a Devizes Bike Hanger Facility.
• The Mind Tree Café CIC was awarded £4,811.08 towards improving its wellbeing service facilities.
• Devizes Area Board Initiative received £2,334 for the Hideout Hub, a youth session for young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

All awarded applications were deemed to meet the respective Community Area Grant and Youth Grant Criteria for 2025/26.

Open Floor Discussion

During the open floor session, Councillor Iain Wallis raised concerns about potholes not being dealt with within Wiltshire Council guidelines, requesting that the Area Board feed this back to the Highways team. The Chairman suggested writing to the Cabinet Member for Highways. An attendee raised issues regarding Station Road being used as an unofficial diversion route, with concerns about speeding and potential hazards during a future road closure for the demolition of a fire-damaged kebab shop. Suggestions included parking suspension and enforcement of the 20mph limit, along with the deployment of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs). Members noted the complexities of parking suspension and the lengthy process for speed assessments. Councillor Jaden Irvine of DTC thanked the Area Board for funding the youth lounge, which was now open three nights a week and described as a positive space.