The Pewsey Area Board met on Monday 8 June 2026 to discuss a range of community matters, including funding applications, local highway improvements, and updates from various partner organisations. The meeting's agenda also included the appointment of new representatives to outside bodies and a review of the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group's recommendations.

Appointment of Representatives and Outside Bodies

The board was scheduled to appoint lead members to outside bodies for the 2026-2027 period. This included confirming representatives for organisations such as the Pewsey Community Area Partnership and The Vale Health and Wellbeing Centre. Additionally, the Terms of Reference for the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) were to be noted, and a lead representative appointed to this group. The LHFIG operates as an advisory body, making recommendations to the Area Board for approval on matters related to local highways and footpaths.

Written Updates and Information Items

A series of written updates were presented for the board's information. These included an update from BSW Together, the Integrated Care Board, outlining their five-year strategic commissioning plan focused on community-based care, digital tools, and prevention. Community First provided their April 2026 update, highlighting their work with youth clubs, village halls, and the Building Bridges programme. Alcoholics Anonymous offered an update on their services across Wiltshire, detailing their weekly meetings and support networks. Wiltshire Money shared information on their events and training opportunities.

Wiltshire Council also provided several briefing notes. The Wiltshire Faith Communities Network aims to strengthen collaboration between the council and faith groups to improve local service delivery and community cohesion. The launch of the Wiltshire Community Lottery was announced, designed to generate sustainable revenue for local good causes. A briefing note on the Connect to Work Programme and Skills Bootcamps detailed initiatives to help individuals with health conditions or barriers return to work, and short courses for retraining or upskilling. Wessex Community Action presented a Call to Action highlighting the financial pressures facing the local voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector and advocating for increased investment. Finally, Wiltshire Police provided their quarterly report on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), detailing efforts to tackle stalking and domestic abuse, including the evolving Project Vigilant initiative.

Community Spotlight

The board was scheduled to receive an update from The Green Vale Project, an initiative aimed at highlighting positive community activities or providing feedback on previous grant awards.

Funding Applications

The Pewsey Area Board had several funding applications to consider across different streams:

• Community Area Grants:
  • Wilcot Cricket Club requested £2,566.73 towards capital equipment.
  • Greatwood Charity sought £2,429.00 for kitchen refurbishment.
• Young People Grants:
  • Pewsey Parish Council applied for £1,972.00 towards a temporary ice rink as part of The Pewsey Winter Festival.
• Older and Vulnerable People Grants:
  • No applications were listed for this category.

The opening budgets for these streams were noted as £16,464 for Community Area Grants, £13,967 for Young People Grants, and £7,500 for Older and Vulnerable People Grants.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The board was to consider recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 13 May 2026. These included proposals to close several issues, such as the Chirton 20mph speed limit assessment and the Beechingstoke Village Gate and Nameplate. Funds previously allocated for the A4 Froxfield Crossings (£3,200) were recommended to be returned to the discretionary fund. The board was also asked to allocate funding to new priority schemes, including £5,000 for the Manningford 20mph Speed Limit, and to add several new issues to the Priority Schemes List, such as lighting assessments in Great Bedwyn and village gate installations in Upavon.

Ask Your Area Board

A 10-minute session was allocated for members of the public to ask questions relevant to the Pewsey Area Board's remit. Any questions that could not be answered during the meeting were to receive a written response.

Partner Updates

In addition to the written updates, the board was scheduled to receive verbal updates from representatives on Health & Wellbeing, Youth, Environment, the Pewsey Community Area Partnership, and various Parish Councils.

Action Plan Updates

Updates were expected on the progress of the Area Board's action plan, presented by the lead councillors or officers responsible.

Community Discussion

The second session of the meeting was to include a presentation from Kirsten Kerr, Operations Manager at Age UK, regarding the work of Carers Together Wiltshire.

The meeting concluded with a review of future meeting dates, with the next Pewsey Area Board meeting scheduled for 7.00 pm on 2 November 2026.