The Chippenham and Villages Area Board meeting scheduled for 1 June 2026 was set to cover a range of community and operational matters. Key discussions were anticipated around funding applications for local projects, updates from various community organisations and partnerships, and proposals for local highway and footpath improvements. A significant item on the agenda was the consideration of a Community Asset Transfer request for the Walled Garden Open Space in Chippenham.

Funding Applications

The Area Board was scheduled to consider several applications for funding from its various grant streams. These included applications for Community Area Grants, Young People Grants, and Older and Vulnerable People Grants.

Under the Community Area Grants, an application was listed for Public Art Chippenham requesting £1,270 for a doorway mural at the Citadel building.

For Young People Grants, several applications were to be considered:

• The Youth Adventure Trust requested £4,000 to support disadvantaged young people in Chippenham.
• Kandu Arts Community Project CIC sought £5,000 for a youth music group.
• CPM Sounds CIC applied for £5,000 to cover new venue hire fees and youth club costs for Riverbank Studios.
• Rag and Bone Arts CIC requested £5,000 for an improv and art programme aimed at building confidence and careers.

Under the Older and Vulnerable People Grants:

• The Chippenham Corsham and Box Primary Care Network applied for £1,000 towards a Health and Wellbeing Community Event.
• Wiltshire Scrapstore and Resource Centre requested £929 for a Craft and Chat initiative for older people from Chippenham.

Additionally, the Board was to note any funding awards made under the Delegated Funding Process, including an award of £1,000 to the Chippenham Corsham and Box Primary Care Network for a Health and Wellbeing Community Event.

Written Updates and Information Items

The Board was scheduled to note a variety of written updates and information items from different organisations and council services. These included:

• Updates from the Clinical Commissioning Group and BSW Together (Integrated Care Board).
• A report from Community First for April 2026.
• An update from Alcoholics Anonymous on their services across Wiltshire.
• Information on events and training opportunities from Wiltshire Money.
• A briefing note from the Wiltshire Faith Communities Network.
• A press release regarding the launch of the Wiltshire Community Lottery.
• A briefing note on the Connect to Work Programme and Skills Bootcamps.
• A Call to Action briefing from Wessex Community Action regarding challenges facing the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.
• A quarterly report from Wiltshire Police on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The Board was to note the minutes and consider any recommendations from the last Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) meeting held on 31 March 2026. The report outlined several recommendations for highway improvements, including:

• A proposed speed limit reduction on the A420 The Shoe, with a requested contribution of £9,000 from LHFIG and £4,000 from the Parish Council (PC).
• Funding for dropped kerbs in Chippenham, with a £4,500 contribution requested from LHFIG and £4,500 from Chippenham Town Council (CTC).
• Improvements at the Biddestone Lane junction in Yatton Keynell, with £1,950 from LHFIG and £1,300 from PC.
• Work on The Causeway in Chippenham, requesting £4,800 from LHFIG and £3,200 from CTC.
• An ANPR survey for Wood Lane, Chippenham, with £1,050 from LHFIG and £700 from CTC.
• Road markings on Biddestone Church Road, with £480 from LHFIG and £320 from PC.

Community Asset Transfer – Chippenham Walled Garden Open Space

A significant item scheduled for discussion was the consideration of a request for a Community Asset Transfer for the Walled Garden Open Space in Chippenham. Presentations were expected from several applicants: the 10th Chippenham Scout Group, Will Sinnott, Mr and Mrs Robertson, Mrs Walters and Mrs Dann-Gandy, and the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity. An officer review of these applications was also to be presented, assessing them against the Council's Community Asset Transfer policy.

Appointment of Representatives

The Board was scheduled to appoint lead members to outside bodies for the 2026-2027 period and to note the Terms of Reference for the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Action Plan Updates

Updates were to be provided on the Area Board's priorities and action plan, focusing on areas such as the local youth network, environmental initiatives, and support for older and vulnerable adults.

Other Items

The agenda also included standard business items such as the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, receiving apologies, confirming minutes, and receiving declarations of interest. An opportunity for public questions was also scheduled.