The Southern Wiltshire Area Board met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss a range of community matters, including environmental enforcement, funding applications, and highway improvements. The meeting also included updates from key partners and a spotlight on a local community initiative.

Environmental Enforcement

Peter White, Wiltshire Council's Enforcement Manager, was scheduled to give a presentation on environmental enforcement.

Community Spotlight: Winterslow Men's Shed

The meeting was set to feature a Community Spotlight segment, highlighting the positive work of the Winterslow Men's Shed. This initiative provides a space for men to connect, share skills, and work on projects, contributing to community wellbeing.

Funding Applications

The board was scheduled to consider several applications for funding from its various grant streams:

Community Area Grants

• Winterbourne Cricket Club requested £5,000 towards a £27,336 project to install two ECB Approved Non-Turf Practice Facilities. The club highlighted the need to replace unsafe grass nets and increase training capacity to accommodate its growing membership, including female players.
• The Brunton Memorial Hall applied for £3,000 towards a £6,533 project to improve the hall's acoustics. The aim is to reduce echo and reverberation, making the hall a more comfortable and accessible space for users.
• Imagine This Early Years and Family CIC requested £500 towards a £600 project to establish a community toy library. The initiative aims to promote recycling, reduce plastic waste, and support sustainable consumption among local families.
• Whiteparish Memorial Trust sought £3,500 towards an £11,000 project to protect the car park wall adjacent to the Grade 2* listed church from further damage caused by vehicles.

Young People Grants

• Downton 4 Family requested £500 towards a £1,000 project to expand their family mentoring system, which supports local families through challenging times.
• Hampton Park Pavilion applied for £5,000 towards a £10,750 project to fund youth activities and special events. The aim is to provide engaging opportunities for teenagers, including a potential extreme assault course.

The report indicated that there were remaining budgets of £23,003 for Community Area Grants, £19,864 for Young People, and £7,500 for Older and Vulnerable Adults.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) Update

The board was to receive an update from the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG), including minutes from their meeting on 5 May 2026 and any recommendations. A Highways maintenance update was also to be provided.

Recommendations from the LHFIG included:

• Downton Parish Council requested £1,500 for pedestrian warning signs and slow markings on Lode Hill.
• Alderbury Parish Council requested £2,250 for a signage and lining review on Folly Lane and Lights Lane.

Appointments

The meeting was scheduled to include appointments to Outside Bodies and the nomination of a Lead Member for the LHFIG.

Information Items

Written information updates were to be noted from various organisations, including Wessex Community Action, Community First, Wiltshire Faith Communities Network, and Wiltshire Community Lottery – Good Cause Launch.

Area Board Priorities Update

Updates were expected from Lead Councillors and officers on the Area Board's key priorities:

• Rural youth outreach and engagement
• Health and wellbeing for older people and vulnerable adults
• Support for the environment

Key Partner Updates

Verbal updates were scheduled from representatives of key partners, including:

• Southern Policing Hub Update from Chief Superintendent Doug Dowing.
• Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) update from Inspector Tina Osborn.
• Parish Updates from representatives of the local parishes.

Written updates were also to be noted regarding the Police, including NPT, Road Safety, and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Other Scheduled Discussions

The agenda also included items for:

• Election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for 2026/27.
• Welcome and Introductions.
• Apologies for absence.
• Confirmation of the minutes from the meeting held on 12 March 2026.
• Declarations of Interest.
• Chairman's updates.