The Devizes Area Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 22 June 2026 to discuss a range of community matters, including local highways improvements, funding applications, and updates from key partners. The meeting will also cover the election of a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the upcoming year.

Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG)

The Devizes Area Board is set to consider recommendations from the Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG) regarding several highway and footpath improvement projects. These include proposals for speed limit implementation and assessments in Bishops Cannings, Stert, and Rowde, as well as a pedestrian crossing assessment in Rowde. Funding is being considered for these projects, with specific amounts allocated from the LHFIG budget and contributions from local Parish Councils (PC).

The LHFIG's work is detailed in its minutes from meetings held on 12 March 2026 and 11 June 2026, which are available in the public reports pack¹. The group's remit includes making recommendations for small-scale transport schemes that improve safety, accessibility, and sustainability, such as pedestrian improvements, cycle paths, bus infrastructure, and traffic signing. However, it cannot fund routine maintenance or service subsidies.

Community Funding Applications

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to considering applications for various grants. The Area Board has a current balance of £25,726.00 for Community Area Grants, £21,421.00 for Youth Grants, and £7,500.00 for Older and Vulnerable People Grants.

Several applications are scheduled for review:

• Community Area Grants:

  • The Market Lavington Community Hall Management Trust is seeking £5,000 towards the replacement of its ground source heat pump boiler, which has reached the end of its lifespan.
  • Potterne Village Hall has applied for £3,625 towards a new fire alarm system, including interlinked detectors, manual call points, and a fire alarm panel, as well as the replacement of its electrical distribution board and the installation of new socket outlets.
  • Easterton Village Hall is requesting £2,544.90 for acoustic treatment to address reverberation issues within the hall.

• Older and Vulnerable Grants:

  • The Our Time Project is seeking £2,450 for Moving Stories, a theatre and movement residency project for elders in Devizes care homes, aiming to enhance well-being and reduce isolation.

• Youth Grants:

  • Spurgeons Children's Charity Wiltshire Family Hub has applied for £500 towards Community Street Sports, which will provide sporting activities and link with a community garden.
  • West Lavington Youth Club is requesting £5,000 towards its club activities, which support young people aged 8-17, including those with special educational needs.
  • Wiltshire Youth for Christ is seeking £1,500 for the Devizes Summer Pop Up Youth Week 2026, an event designed to provide a safe and engaging space for local teenagers.

Key Partner Updates and Information Items

The meeting will also include updates from various partners and information items for the Board to note. These include:

• Community First: An organisation providing support to communities in Wiltshire and Swindon.
• Alcoholics Anonymous: An update on their services and local presence.
• Wessex Community Action: A call to action regarding the pressures facing the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Wiltshire.
• Wiltshire Council Information Items:
  • The Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal, a platform for public consultations.
  • The Connect to Work Programme and Skills Bootcamps, aimed at helping individuals return to work or upskill.
  • The Wiltshire Faith Communities Network, a forum for dialogue and action with faith groups.
  • The launch of the Community Lottery, a fundraising initiative for local good causes.
  • The Community Governance Review, a process to review and potentially change governance arrangements for town and parish councils.

Wiltshire Police Updates

Updates are expected from Wiltshire Police, including a verbal report from Inspector Simon Garrett of the Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT). The police will also provide a response to a question submitted by Councillor Philip Whitehead regarding the enforcement of existing weight restrictions. Written updates from the Devizes NPT, road safety initiatives, and the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) quarterly report are also scheduled to be noted.

Community Spotlight and Public Participation

The meeting will feature a Community Spotlight segment highlighting the work of the Devizes Community Lounge / Youth Space, which has received Area Board grant funding. Residents will also have the opportunity to ask questions of their Area Board councillors during the Ask your Area Board session.

Appointments and Other Groups

The Board will be asked to appoint lead Members to several groups for the 2026/27 year, including the Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG), the Air Quality and Sustainable Transport (AQST) group, and the Health and Wellbeing Group (HWBG). The Terms of Reference for the LHFIG and AQST groups will also be noted.

The Devizes Air Quality and Sustainable Transport (AQST) Group will provide updates on its work, which focuses on improving air quality and promoting sustainable transport within the Devizes Community Area.