The South West Wiltshire Area Board is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 1 July 2026, with a meeting pack outlining a range of topics for discussion. These include the allocation of community grants, updates from local policing teams, and discussions on road safety and highways improvements.

Funding Applications for Community Projects

The board is set to consider several applications for funding from various community groups. Among these is a request for £1,000 from the Cllr George Jeans South West Wilts Area Board Health and Wellbeing Group towards a Memory Support Project for Mere Community Area. This project aims to address the needs of older residents in Mere, where there is a high number of individuals aged 65 and over, and a growing number diagnosed with dementia. The closest existing memory group is in Tisbury, highlighting a gap in local provision.

Other community grant applications include:

• The Badges Fete, seeking £3,000 towards their community event planned for East Farm, Fovant, which aims to bring together residents from Fovant, Compton Chamberlayne, and Sutton Mandeville for family activities and traditional attractions. The funds will support village projects including the Fovant Playground rebuild, Compton Chamberlayne Village Hall renovations, and improvements to rights of way in Sutton Mandeville.
• Sedgehill Village Hall Committee, requesting £3,465 for essential renovations to their village hall roof timbers and kitchen.
• Chalke Valley Sports Centre, applying for £5,000 towards the refurbishment of their showers and water services, as current facilities are nearing the end of their operational life.
• Fovant History Interest Group, seeking £2,500 to provide secure and fireproof storage for their original archives and artefacts.
• The Kindness Cupboards, requesting £1,000 towards their Wilton Pantry initiative, which aims to establish a community pantry offering free and subsidised food, alongside support from partner agencies and acting as a chatty cafe and warm space.

The board will also note funding awards made under the Delegated Funding Process, including £200 to the 1st Mere Brownies and Guides for cooking equipment for a pack holiday and £638.80 to the Wilton and District Link to celebrate 25 years of service.

Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements

The Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG) is scheduled to present its minutes and recommendations from meetings held on 11 March 2026 and 10 June 2026. Several recommendations for funding are listed, including:

• £1,031.25 for Unsuitable for HGVs signs in Chicklade.
• £3,150.00 for informal crossing point improvements in Quidhampton.
• £825.00 for Wilton Horse Warning Signs.
• £5,726.25 for amendments to waiting restrictions in Mere.
• £1,125.00 for trial holes in Wilton to assess underground utilities for a potential dropped kerb project near Wilton Baptist Church.

Policing and Community Safety Updates

Updates are expected from the Wiltshire Police regarding their Neighbourhood Policing Teams. This includes information from Inspector Lou Oakley of the Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team, covering areas such as Mere and Tisbury. The reports highlight priorities including rural crime, retail crime, and road safety. There will also be updates from the Salisbury Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Amesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, detailing local priorities and incidents.

A specific focus will be placed on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), with a quarterly report from Wiltshire Police detailing ongoing work, including Project Vigilant and initiatives to tackle stalking and domestic abuse.

Other Discussions

The meeting agenda also includes a Community Spotlight on Arts in the Langfords, providing an update on their activities. There will be an opportunity for residents to Ask your Area Board questions.

Updates are also scheduled from Town and Parish Councils and on Area Board Priorities and Action Plan Updates. The board will also consider Appointments to lead members for the LHFIG and the Nadder Centre Community Liaison meeting.

The Wiltshire Community Lottery is scheduled for a Good Cause Launch, detailing how the lottery operates and its role in supporting local charities and community initiatives. Briefings are also expected from Community First, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Wessex Community Action, highlighting their work and the challenges facing the voluntary and community sector. An update on the Wiltshire Faith Communities Network is also planned.

Finally, the board will receive information regarding the Southern Policing Hub, Old Sarum, from the Police and Crime Commissioner.