The Pewsey Area Board meeting on 17 June 2024 focused on various community issues, including highways maintenance, environmental initiatives, and local support services. Key decisions were made on funding allocations for community projects and the appointment of councillor representatives to outside bodies.

Highways Maintenance Concerns

Significant concerns were raised regarding the Highway Schemes Maintenance Programme. Residents and councillors expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed responses and inadequate solutions provided by the Northern Highways team. Richard Rogers, Strategic Engagement Partnerships Manager, assured attendees that he would follow up with Northern Highways to expedite responses. Councillor Paul Oatway QPM highlighted that he had communicated concerns to Highways, and additional gulley tankers had been procured for parish councils.

Area Board End of Year Report

Caroline LeQuesne, Engagement and Partnerships Lead, presented the Area Board End of Year Report. The report highlighted achievements in youth engagement, support for vulnerable and older people, and environmental initiatives. Sylvia Wyatt of Great Green Bedwyn discussed the community's efforts, including rain gardens and green open homes events. Richard Rogers provided a summary of the Community Survey/CAJSNA Data, identifying health, environment, cost of living, children and young people, and economy as key priorities.

Family Hubs

Nicky Harris, Community and Family Navigator, introduced the work of Family Hubs, which aim to provide local community support for families and young people. Funded by Wiltshire Council and provided by Spurgeon’s Children’s Charity, the hubs offer 1-2-1 support, parenting advice groups, and a digital family hub available 24/7. There are three main sites in Salisbury, Trowbridge, and Chippenham, with 21 additional Family Navigator sites across the county.

Partner and Community Updates

The Area Board received updates from various partners and community organisations:

• Pewsey Community Area Partnership (PCAP): Colin Gale reported on the success of the DRT bus service and concerns about Pewsey station's ranking. Susie Brew discussed tourism initiatives and the need for a local visitor partnership in Wiltshire.
• Wiltshire Police: Inspector Ben Huggins provided crime statistics, noting a decrease in incidents compared to previous years. He highlighted ongoing operations like Op Sceptre and addressed concerns about police visibility and resource allocation.

Area Board Funding

The Area Board approved several funding applications:

• Community Area Grants: Woodborough Social Club (£2,000), Woodborough Parish Room (£2,000), Hilcott Village Hall (£640).
• Older and Vulnerable Grants: Arts Together (£1,700).
• Youth Grants: Burbage Parish Council (£1,200).

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The Board approved recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 24 April 2024, including funding allocations for various local highway issues and setting financial contributions from parish and third-party contributions at 40% of the estimated cost, capped at £5,000.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the printed minutes of the meeting.