This week in Wiltshire:

Council Approves Agency Staffing Contract Despite £20 Million Price Tag

Wiltshire Council's Cabinet has approved the commissioning of a new contract for temporary agency staffing, potentially costing £20 million over four years. The decision comes as the council's current contract nears its expiration date in September 2025.

• Cost Concerns: The estimated cost of the new contract has raised eyebrows, especially given the council's ongoing financial challenges, including the Safety Valve agreement¹ with the Department for Education (DfE).
• Compliance and Efficiency: The council aims to manage its temporary worker requirements efficiently and effectively, while also mitigating risks of fines associated with using personal services companies, known as IR35².
• Delegated Authority: The Cabinet has delegated authority to the Director of HR&OD to handle all matters related to the competition, the award of the Contract and any future extensions of the Contract.

The decision highlights the council's reliance on agency staff and the significant financial implications of these arrangements. It also raises questions about long-term workforce planning and strategies to reduce dependence on temporary workers.

Safety Valve Agreement Remains a Red Risk

Wiltshire Council's Cabinet received an update on the Safety Valve agreement with the DfE, revealing that financial targets are still rated Red against the original plan. The update highlights the ongoing challenges in managing the High Needs Block (HNB) of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), which supports pupils with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).

• Revised Plan: A revised plan was submitted to the DfE in December 2024, extending the deficit reduction timeline to seven years.
• Financial Strain: The Government has yet to indicate what it intends to do about the statutory override and the cumulative deficits accrued by councils in England, posing a considerable risk to the council.
• Statutory Override: The Statutory Override, which allows councils to set budgets that exceed their available resources in specific circumstances, is due to expire in April 2026.

The update underscores the financial pressures facing Wiltshire Council in providing adequate support for SEND pupils. The expiration of the Statutory Override in 2026 adds further uncertainty to the council's financial planning.

Western Area Planning Committee Approves Indoor Training Facility Amid Green Belt Concerns

The Western Area Planning Committee has approved an outline application for an indoor training facility at Bradford Rubin Football Club, despite its location in the green belt. The decision has sparked debate about balancing community needs with environmental protection.

• Green Belt Debate: Councillor Nigel White, the local unitary member, expressed ambivalence, questioning whether special circumstances justified the exception in the green belt.
• Community Asset: Supporters argued that the facility would be a valuable community asset, providing year-round training opportunities for various sports groups.
• Traffic Concerns: Objectors raised concerns about potential traffic increases in the area's narrow lanes.

The committee ultimately approved the application with 12 votes in favor, none against, and one abstention. The decision highlights the challenges of balancing development needs with green belt preservation.

Other Matters

• The Health and Wellbeing Board discussed a draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for Wiltshire, the Smokefree Generation Programme, and the Get Britain Working white paper. Meeting Link
• The Environment Select Committee discussed the development of its Overview and Scrutiny work programme. Meeting Link
• The Children's Select Committee met to elect a chairman and vice-chairman, and to discuss the development of their overview and scrutiny work programme. No video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Western Area Planning Committee deferred a decision on a retrospective application for a summer house/shed at 2 Sarum Avenue, Melksham, to allow for a site visit. Meeting Link
• The Corsham Area Board discussed community grants, appointments to outside bodies and updates from partner organisations. No video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Westbury Area Board met to discuss community engagement and partnerships, funding for local initiatives, and highway improvements. No video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Pewsey Area Board met to discuss funding for local projects, updates from partner organisations, and local highway improvements. No video was provided. Meeting Link
• The Schools Forum met virtually to discuss school funding and related issues. No video was provided. Meeting Link

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Licensing Committee - June 16th - Discuss proposed changes to hackney carriage fees and tariffs, and receive updates from various teams. Meeting Link
• Cabinet - Shareholder Group - June 17th - Discuss updates and business plans related to the Stone Circle companies. Meeting Link
• Officer Appointments Committee - June 17th - Discuss the appointment of a Director of Adult Social Care. Meeting Link
• Appeals Sub-Committee (School Transport) - June 18th - Consider a school transport appeal. Meeting Link
• Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board - June 18th - Discuss flood resilience, updates from partners, and consider financial recommendations from the LHFIG. Meeting Link
• Southern Wiltshire Area Board - June 19th - Discuss community engagement, funding, and local highway improvements. Meeting Link
• Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee - June 19th - Discuss responsible investment, review the minutes of the Local Pension Board, and address a public question regarding investments linked to the war in Gaza. Meeting Link
• Tidworth Area Board - June 23rd - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Cabinet - June 24th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Calne Area Board - June 24th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Western Area Licensing Sub Committee - June 24th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel - June 26th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Staffing Policy Committee - June 26th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link
• Trowbridge Area Board - June 26th - Details for this meeting are not yet available. Meeting Link

This week in Wiltshire:

Westbury Housing Plan Approved Amid Traffic Concerns

The Strategic Planning Committee has approved an outline planning application for up to 36 dwellings on land off Freestone Grove, Westbury, despite objections regarding construction traffic and its impact on the Millbrook estate. The meeting saw councillors debate the merits of the application, with a focus on minimizing disruption to existing residents.

• Traffic Woes: Objectors and Westbury Town Council raised concerns about construction traffic, the access route, and the impact on wildlife.
• Applicant Agrees to Changes: The applicant agreed to reduce the number of dwellings from 40 to 36 and to reduce the timeframe for submitting the reserved matters application.
• Councillor Intervention: Councillor Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, initially suggested strengthening the condition for a construction management plan to explicitly prohibit construction traffic through the Millbrook estate. However, this was deemed unreasonable until the type and size of vehicle was known.
• Compromise Reached: The committee approved the application with amended conditions, including a requirement for the developer to provide evidence that there are no other viable access options besides the proposed route.

Senior Planning Officer, Verity Giles-Franklin, noted that the applicant had agreed to consider measures to reduce construction traffic. Planning Manager, Kenny Green, added that abnormal loads through the Millbrook estate would not be acceptable and that an alternative route would be needed.

Councillor Howard Greenman requested that his vote against the motion be recorded.

This decision follows previous discussions about balancing the need for housing with the concerns of local residents, as seen in the recent debate over the Wiltshire Throwback Festival licence.

Director of Finance and Procurement Appointment Discussed Behind Closed Doors

The Officer Appointments Committee met to discuss the appointment of a Director of Finance and Procurement for Wiltshire Council. The meeting moved into Part II, excluding the public, to discuss the appointment.

According to the agenda, the public was excluded because the discussion was anticipated to involve exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, suggesting that the discussion would involve confidential information about candidates or the selection process.

Marlborough Area Board Considers Community Grants and Air Quality

The Marlborough Area Board convened to discuss community grants, updates from partners, and the Wiltshire Community Air Network. The meeting agenda included a range of topics, from kitchen refurbishments to supporting SEND Fest 2025.

• Community Grants: The board considered grant applications for various projects, including kitchen refurbishments for Winterbourne Monkton Community Hall and the Jubilee Centre Marlborough, as well as funding for Marlborough Community Orchard and Marlborough Area Poverty Action Group.
• Air Quality Monitoring: The board received an update on the Wiltshire Community Air Network, a citizen science project involving low-cost air quality sensors across Wiltshire. The project aims to identify trends and potential hotspots of PM2.5 air pollution¹.

Inspector Simon Garrett of Wiltshire Police provided an update on road safety in the Marlborough area, including information on the Fatal Five campaign².

Other Matters

• The Northern Area Planning Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss planning appeals, updates, and consider two planning applications relating to Fordlands, Main Road, Christian Malford, Chippenham, and land north of Chelworth Road in Warminster. Meeting Link
• The Chippenham and Villages Area Board were scheduled to meet to discuss community grants, partnership updates, and various local initiatives. Meeting Link
• The Melksham Area Board met to discuss community engagement, funding for local projects, and various updates from partners and council services. Meeting Link
• The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee of Wiltshire Council met to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to discuss the Overview and Scrutiny work programme. Meeting Link
• The Health Select Committee was scheduled to meet to elect a chairman and vice-chairman, and to discuss and develop their work programme. Meeting Link

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Pewsey Area Board - June 9th - Discuss community grants, local highway improvements, and partnership updates. Meeting Link
• Environment Select Committee - June 10th - Elect a chairman and vice-chairman, and discuss the committee's work programme. Meeting Link
• Cabinet - June 10th - Discuss the Safety Valve agreement, National Landscape Management Plans, and temporary agency staffing procurement. Meeting Link
• Children's Select Committee - June 11th - Elect a chairman and vice-chairman, and discuss the development of their overview and scrutiny work programme. Meeting Link
• Westbury Area Board - June 11th - Discuss community engagement, funding, and local highway improvements. Meeting Link
• Western Area Planning Committee - June 11th - Discuss planning appeals and applications, including a retrospective application for a change of use of a public house. Meeting Link
• Health and Wellbeing Board - June 12th - Discuss a draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, the Smokefree Generation Programme, and the Get Britain Working white paper. Meeting Link
• Schools Forum - June 12th - Discuss budget monitoring, SEND transformation, and school funding. Meeting Link
• Southern Area Planning Committee - June 12th - Discuss planning appeals, updates, and planning applications, including alterations to The Cathedral Hotel in Salisbury. Meeting Link
• Corsham Area Board - June 12th - Discuss updates from partners, consider grant applications, and appointments to outside bodies. Meeting Link

This week in Wiltshire:

Festival Licence Sparks Noise and Safety Fears

The Western Area Licensing Sub Committee convened this week to discuss a time-limited premises licence for the Wiltshire Throwback Festival (WTF25), planned for Melksham Football and Rugby Club. The meeting focused on an application by Jarboom Limited to provide regulated entertainment, including live music and alcohol sales, at the event.

However, the application faced significant opposition.

• Noise Concerns: Melksham Town Council voiced worries about noise disturbance in residential areas, especially late at night.
• Safety Concerns: Wiltshire Police highlighted inadequate traffic management, unsuitable emergency service rendezvous points, and an insufficient security plan.
• Highways Concerns: Matt Perrott, Highways Operations, Wiltshire Council, raised concerns about unclear emergency routes and potential disruption to the local road network.

A letter from Claire Francis, Head of Public Protection at Wiltshire Council, further emphasized the Event Safety Advisory Group's (ESAG) concerns about access, the alcohol management plan, and the final Event Management Plan.

The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were unable to comment due to insufficient information in the application, particularly regarding emergency exits.

The Development Management team advised that planning consent is required for the temporary use proposed.

Highways recommended that the application should not proceed at this time.

The Sub Committee will now consider the application and the representations made before making a decision on whether to grant the licence.

Other Matters

• The Strategic Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on June 4th to further discuss a deferred planning application for a residential development on land off Freestone Grove, Westbury, and to receive details of completed and pending appeals. Meeting Link
• The Northern Area Planning Committee will convene on June 4th to discuss planning applications concerning retrospective changes to a property in Christian Malford, and the retention of hardstanding for car parking near Cricklade. Meeting Link
• The Chippenham and Villages Area Board are scheduled to meet on June 2nd to discuss community engagement, funding requests for local projects, and updates from partner organisations. Meeting Link
• The Marlborough Area Board is scheduled to meet on June 3rd to discuss community engagement, funding, and local initiatives. Meeting Link
• The Melksham Area Board is scheduled to meet on June 4th to discuss community engagement, funding for local projects, and updates from partners and community organisations. Meeting Link
• The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee are scheduled to meet on June 3rd to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to discuss the Overview and Scrutiny work programme. Meeting Link
• The Health Select Committee are meeting on June 5th to elect a chairman and vice-chairman, and to discuss and develop their work programme. Meeting Link

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Chippenham and Villages Area Board - June 2nd - Discuss community engagement, funding requests, and partner updates. Meeting Link
• Marlborough Area Board - June 3rd - Discuss community engagement, funding, and local initiatives. Meeting Link
• Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee - June 3rd - Elect a chair and vice-chair, and discuss the Overview and Scrutiny work programme. Meeting Link
• Melksham Area Board - June 4th - Discuss community engagement, funding for local projects, and updates from partners. Meeting Link
• Strategic Planning Committee - June 4th - Discuss a deferred planning application for a residential development on land off Freestone Grove, Westbury, and receive details of appeals. Meeting Link
• Northern Area Planning Committee - June 4th - Discuss planning applications concerning changes to a property in Christian Malford and car parking near Cricklade. Meeting Link
• Health Select Committee - June 5th - Elect a chairman and vice-chairman, and discuss and develop their work programme. Meeting Link

This week in Wiltshire:

• The Council elected Councillor Laura Mays as the new chairman and Councillor Ruth Hopkinson as vice-chairman.
• The Council appointed Councillor Ian Thorne as leader of the council for 2025-2029.
• The Council voted to delegate committee appointments to group leaders.
• The Council authorised work to create a new financial scrutiny committee.
• The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board elected Councillor Nick Dye as Chairman and Councillor Andrew Matthews as Vice-Chairman.
• The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board decided that all members will attend the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The South West Wiltshire Area Board elected Councillor Pauline Church as Chairman and Councillor Nabil Najjar as Vice-Chairman.
• The South West Wiltshire Area Board appointed Councillor Bridget Wayman as the lead representative on the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Southern Wiltshire Area Board elected Councillor Zoë Clewer as Chairman and Councillor Rich Rogers as Vice-Chairman.
• The Southern Wiltshire Area Board appointed Councillor Rich Rogers as the Lead Councillor for the Southern Wiltshire LHFIG.
• The Trowbridge Area Board elected Councillor Stewart Palmén as Chair and Councillor Denise Bates as Vice-Chair.
• The Trowbridge Area Board appointed its representatives to the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Devizes Area Board elected Councillor Dominic Muns as Chairman and Councillor Tamara Reay as Vice-Chairman.
• The Devizes Area Board deferred the appointment of a LHFIG representative.
• The Corsham Area Board elected Councillor Ruth Hopkinson as Chairman and Councillor Helen Belcher OBE as Vice-Chair.
• The Corsham Area Board appointed Councillor Ruth Hopkinson as the lead member for the LHFIG.
• The Malmesbury Area Board elected Councillor Chuck Berry as Chairman and Councillor Gavin Grant as Vice-Chairman.
• The Malmesbury Area Board appointed Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall as the lead member for the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Marlborough Area Board appointed Councillor Jane Davies as Chairman and Councillor Kymee Cleasby as Vice-Chairman.
• The Marlborough Area Board appointed Councillor Cleasby as the Area Board’s lead representative on the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Local Pension Board were scheduled to discuss the Wiltshire Pension Fund's headlines and monitoring report, key financial controls, and a number of strategies and reports.
• The Warminster Area Board elected Councillor Russell Hawker as Chairman and Councillor Barry Pirie as Vice-Chairman.
• The Warminster Area Board appointed Councillor Bill Parks as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.
• The Bradford on Avon Area Board appointed Councillor Trevor Carbin as Chairman and Councillor Nigel White as Vice-Chairman.
• The Bradford on Avon Area Board appointed Councillor Trevor Carbin as the Lead Representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Chippenham and Villages Area Board appointed Councillor Liz Alstrom as Chairman and Councillor Ross Henning as Vice-Chairman.
• The Chippenham and Villages Area Board appointed Councillors Ross Henning and Adrian Foster as representatives to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Stonehenge Area Board elected Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling as Chairman and Councillor Dr Monica Devendran as Vice-Chairman.
• The Stonehenge Area Board appointed Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling as the board's lead representative on the LHFIG.
• The Melksham Area Board elected Councillor Jon Hubbard as Chairman and Councillor Jennie Westbrook as Vice-Chairman.
• The Melksham Area Board appointed Councillor Andrew Griffin as the Lead Representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).
• The Pewsey Area Board appointed Councillor Jerry Kunkler as Chairman and Councillor Paul Oatway QPM as Vice-Chairman.
• The Pewsey Area Board appointed Councillor Jerry Kunkler as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.
• The Westbury Area Board elected Councillor Robert Smith as Chairman and Councillor Gordon King as Vice-Chairman.
• The Westbury Area Board appointed Councillor Boaz Barry as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.
• The Eastern Wiltshire Area Committee appointed Councillor Jane Davies as Chairman and Councillor Kymee Cleasby as Vice-Chairman.
• The Eastern Wiltshire Area Committee agreed on substitution arrangements for members on the Marlborough, Pewsey, and Tidworth Area Boards.
• The Tidworth Area Board elected Councillor Dave Lumsden as Chairman and Councillor Christopher Williams as Vice-Chairman.
• The Tidworth Area Board appointed Councillor Keith Allen as the lead member for LHFIG for 2025/26.
• The Salisbury Area Board elected Councillor Paul Sample JP as Chairman and Councillor Ricky Rogers as Vice-Chairman.
• The Salisbury Area Board appointed Councillor Brian Dalton as Lead Member for Salisbury LHFIG for 2025/26.
• The Calne Area Board elected Councillor Ashley O'Neill as Chairman and Councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney as Vice-Chairman.
• The Calne Area Board appointed Councillor Ashley O'Neill as the Area Board’s lead representative on the LHFIG.

Councillor Ian Thorne was elected leader of Wiltshire Council, and announced his new cabinet, at the Council meeting. The council also voted to create a new financial scrutiny committee.

Council - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The annual meeting of Wiltshire Council saw Councillor Laura Mays elected as the new chairman, and Councillor Ruth Hopkinson elected as vice-chairman, both following secret ballots. Councillor Ian Thorne was appointed leader of the council for 2025-2029 after a secret ballot, and he then announced his cabinet. Councillors also voted to delegate decisions on committee appointments to group leaders, and to authorise work to create a new financial scrutiny committee.

Councillor Thorne thanked Councillor Richard Clure for his work over the past four years, and then spoke about the need for the council to work together across the chamber, and to support council officers. He then introduced his cabinet: Councillor Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of the Council, with a role around communities and engagement; Councillor Gordon King, covering adult social care; Councillor Gavin Grant, looking after finances; Councillor Adrian Foster, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning; Councillor John Hubbard, covering children's services; Councillor Helen Belcher OBE, covering enterprise and the economy; Councillor Paul Sample JP, focusing on waste and climate change; Councillor Martin Smith, covering highways; and Councillor Claire Cape, focusing on relationships with the NHS.

The council voted to delegate the appointment of chairmen and vice chairmen to committees to the monitoring officer in consultation with group leaders.

The council also voted to approve the creation of a new overview and scrutiny committee structure, including a dedicated finance and procurement select committee. Councillor Graham Wright introduced the proposal, explaining that overview and scrutiny is a statutory function of the council and acts as a counterbalance to the decision making powers of the executive. Councillor Thorne welcomed the proposal, saying that the performance of councils, particularly their financial performance, tends to relate very directly to the amount of overview and governance that takes place.

Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board met to elect a new chairman and vice-chairman, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Nick Dye was elected as Chairman, Councillor Andrew Matthews was elected as Vice-Chairman, and all Area Board members will attend the LHFIG.

South West Wiltshire Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

At the South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting, Councillor Pauline Church was elected as Chairman, Councillor Nabil Najjar as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Bridget Wayman was appointed as the lead representative on the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Southern Wiltshire Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Southern Wiltshire Area Board met to elect a chair and vice-chair for the upcoming year, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Zoë Clewer was elected as Chairman, Councillor Rich Rogers as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Rich Rogers was also appointed as the Lead Councillor for the Southern Wiltshire LHFIG.

Trowbridge Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

In a brief meeting, the Trowbridge Area Board elected Councillor Stewart Palmén as Chair and Councillor Denise Bates as Vice-Chair for the forthcoming year. Additionally, the board appointed its representatives to the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Devizes Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Devizes Area Board met to elect a new chairman and vice-chairman, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Dominic Muns was elected as Chairman, Councillor Tamara Reay as Vice-Chairman, and the appointment of a LHFIG representative was deferred.

Corsham Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Corsham Area Board met to appoint a chair, vice-chair, and a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Ruth Hopkinson was elected as Chairman, Councillor Helen Belcher OBE was elected as Vice-Chair, and Councillor Ruth Hopkinson was also appointed as the lead member for the LHFIG.

Malmesbury Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Malmesbury Area Board met on Tuesday 20 May 2025 and elected Councillor Chuck Berry as Chairman and Councillor Gavin Grant as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year. Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care Transformation, was appointed as the lead member for the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Marlborough Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Marlborough Area Board met on 20 May 2025 and appointed Councillor Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, SEND and Inclusion, as its Chairman for the forthcoming year, and Councillor Kymee Cleasby as its Vice-Chairman. Councillor Cleasby was also appointed as the Area Board’s lead representative on the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Local Pension Board - Thursday 22 May 2025

The Local Pension Board were scheduled to discuss the Wiltshire Pension Fund's headlines and monitoring report, key financial controls, and a number of strategies and reports. These included the pension administration strategy, communications strategy, low volume performance report, local pension board annual report, and an integrated payroll system update.

Warminster Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Warminster Area Board met to elect a new chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Russell Hawker was elected as Chairman, Councillor Barry Pirie as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Bill Parks as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.

Bradford on Avon Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Bradford on Avon Area Board met on Tuesday 20 May 2025 and appointed Councillor Trevor Carbin as Chairman and Councillor Nigel White as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year. Councillor Trevor Carbin was also appointed as the Lead Representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Chippenham and Villages Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Chippenham and Villages Area Board met to appoint a chair, vice-chair, and representatives to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Liz Alstrom was appointed as Chairman, Councillor Ross Henning as Vice-Chairman, and Councillors Ross Henning and Adrian Foster as representatives to the LHFIG.

Stonehenge Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Stonehenge Area Board met on Tuesday 20 May 2025 to elect a chair and vice-chair for the forthcoming year, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling was elected as Chairman, Councillor Dr Monica Devendran was elected as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling was appointed as the board's lead representative on the LHFIG.

Melksham Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

At the Melksham Area Board meeting, Councillor Jon Hubbard was elected as Chairman, Councillor Jennie Westbrook was elected as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Andrew Griffin was appointed as the Lead Representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Pewsey Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Pewsey Area Board met to appoint a chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Jerry Kunkler was appointed as Chairman, Councillor Paul Oatway QPM was appointed as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Jerry Kunkler was appointed as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.

Westbury Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Westbury Area Board met to elect a chair and vice-chair for the forthcoming year, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Robert Smith was elected as Chairman, Councillor Gordon King as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Boaz Barry was appointed as the Lead Representative to the LHFIG.

Eastern Wiltshire Area Committee - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Eastern Wiltshire Area Committee met on 20 May 2025 and appointed Councillor Jane Davies as Chairman and Councillor Kymee Cleasby as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year. The committee also agreed on substitution arrangements for members on the Marlborough, Pewsey, and Tidworth Area Boards.

Tidworth Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Tidworth Area Board met to appoint a chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Dave Lumsden was elected as Chairman, Councillor Christopher Williams as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Keith Allen as the lead member for LHFIG for 2025/26.

Salisbury Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Salisbury Area Board met to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Paul Sample JP was elected as Chairman and Councillor Ricky Rogers was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Salisbury Area Board for 2025/26. Councillor Brian Dalton was appointed as Lead Member for Salisbury LHFIG for 2025/26.

Calne Area Board - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Calne Area Board met to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to appoint a representative to the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Ashley O'Neill was elected as Chairman, Councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney as Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Ashley O'Neill was also appointed as the Area Board’s lead representative on the LHFIG.