The Westbury Area Board met on Wednesday 14 October 2026 to discuss new funding opportunities for community projects, hear updates from key partners, and address local issues. The board considered applications for Area Board funding and noted updates on various community initiatives and safety matters.

New Area Board Funding Opportunities

The Area Board was presented with information on several new funding opportunities designed to support community wellbeing and infrastructure projects across Wiltshire.

Community Wellbeing Fund: This new fund, delivered through the Crowdfunder platform, aims to support local organisations in developing community-led projects that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen preventative support. Each Area Board has been allocated up to £11,000, with funding available in two rounds: October to December 2026 and June to August 2027. Projects must align with priorities such as reducing isolation, improving mental health, and supporting independent living. Eligible organisations include VCSE sector organisations, registered charities, CICs, and parish councils. Applications will be assessed on local need, impact, community support, and value for money.

Wiltshire Voluntary Sector Organisation of the Month: This award scheme, commencing in January 2027, aims to recognise and reward voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations. Each month, a group will receive a certificate, a photo call, and an award of £100, funded by the Wiltshire Community Lottery. The scheme is designed to improve the recognition, recruitment, and retention of volunteers and trustees. Nominations will be accepted via an online form, and a panel of Wiltshire Council and Wessex Community Action representatives will select the winners. Area Boards are encouraged to promote the scheme and present awards to local recipients.

Locally Identified Infrastructure Projects (LIIPs) Fund: Approved by Wiltshire Council's Cabinet on 15 July 2026, this fund allocates up to £250,000 annually for three years to support capital infrastructure projects that accommodate growth and address development impacts. Bids are expected to be between £50,000 and £75,000, with at least equivalent match funding from town and parish councils. Projects must provide or improve infrastructure and demonstrate a clear link to growth or development impacts, such as community hall improvements, sports facilities, or green infrastructure. Town and parish councils will act as the accountable body for funding, with Area Boards providing local democratic input and endorsing projects for collective review before a final decision by the Cabinet Member. The first funding round is expected to run from October 2026 to May 2027.

Community Resilience Hubs and Supporting People to Build Financial Resilience: This programme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), aims to establish community resilience hubs across Wiltshire to help residents build long-term financial resilience. A total of £1.5 million has been allocated until March 2029. Each Area Board will have approximately £75,000 to invest in proposals that demonstrate local support, value for money, and alignment with programme objectives. Funding can be used for capital improvements, staffing, training, specialist support services, and digital infrastructure. The programme adopts a cash-first approach, focusing on maximising household income, accessing welfare and debt advice, and improving financial skills. Area Boards will play a key role in shaping local solutions and endorsing project proposals.

Key Partner Updates

The Area Board received several written updates from key partners, including Wessex Community Action, Alcoholics Anonymous, Wiltshire Working Well, Wiltshire Money, the Development of Faith Communities Network, Wiltshire Police, and an update on winter resilience and community emergency preparedness from Wiltshire Council.

Wessex Community Action has launched a refreshed brand identity and new website to better reflect its role in supporting voluntary and community organisations, volunteers, and local residents.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provided an update on its services across Wiltshire and Bath, highlighting resources for young people during Alcohol Awareness Week. AA offers weekly meetings, online and telephone support, and community engagement initiatives.

Wiltshire Working Well, a partnership between Wiltshire Council, Help Counselling, and Rethink Mental Illness, offers fully funded mental health training sessions for employees and managers to build confidence and support wellbeing in the workplace. Courses are available in September and October, with options for online and in-person attendance.

Wiltshire Money is offering CRF-funded training for staff and volunteers who provide advice and support to Wiltshire residents experiencing financial difficulties. Topics include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit, and benefits for families. Area Boards are asked to promote these funded training opportunities within their local networks.

The Development of the Faith Communities Network has seen significant growth, with 50 new members joining in 2026. The network aims to develop a strategic partnership with Wiltshire Council, strengthen connections across faith communities, build community resilience, and become a trusted voice for communities. Area Boards are invited to include updates on the network's development in their meetings and promote local engagements.

Wiltshire Police provided an update on their work tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), focusing on safer public spaces, reducing and preventing VAWG, and improving outcomes for victims. Initiatives include the Ending VAWG Coalition Wiltshire, a perpetrator programme pilot, and strengthened responses to domestic abuse and stalking. Project Vigilant, an innovative approach to tackling VAWG, is being embedded into the core curriculum for new officers. The update also included crime data for Westbury, showing a decrease in theft and anti-social behaviour, but an increase in violence and criminal damage. Priorities for the Westbury area include road safety, retail crime, burglaries, rural crime, and serious organised crime.

Wiltshire Council's update on winter resilience and community emergency preparedness outlined changes to the Parish Emergency Assistance Scheme (PEAS), which will end in March 2027. The council is investing in wider resilience measures, including highway drainage infrastructure, a new salt depot, and community-based emergency contact hubs.

Area Board Funding Applications

The Area Board considered several applications for funding from its various grant streams.

Area Board Initiatives:

• Westbury Area Board - Youth Podcast Equipment: £500.00 was awarded towards equipment for a youth podcast project linked to the Future Sound of Westbury initiative.

Older and Vulnerable Grants:

• Crosspoint Westbury - Crosspoint Westbury Counselling Service: £4,000.00 was awarded to subsidise counselling services for individuals who do not meet the criteria for statutory mental health services.
• Dilton Memorial Hall - DMH Community Lunch: £500.00 was awarded towards the cost of a community lunch event for residents of Dilton Marsh and surrounding areas, providing a meal and social interaction.
• Age UK Wiltshire - Celebrating Age Wiltshire: £2,000.00 was awarded to support a creative health and wellbeing project delivering arts, music, theatre, and heritage events for older, vulnerable adults.

Community Area Grants:

• Westbury United Youth and Development FC - Westbury United Youth and Development FC Mix Changing Facility: £5,000.00 was awarded towards the development of mixed changing facilities.
• The Laverton Institute Trust - Refurbishment of William Room: £1,401.00 was awarded towards the refurbishment of the William Room.
• Westbury Yarn Bombers - Westbury Umbrella Canopy Community Art Installation and Poppy Veil 2027 Community Tribute: £2,149.00 was awarded for a community art installation.

Young People Grants:

• Westbury Youth Club - Westbury Youth Club Core Costs: £5,000.00 was awarded towards the core costs of the youth club.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The Area Board noted the minutes and recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 24 September 2026, which addressed various local highway and footpath issues. Several items were closed with no further action required, while others are awaiting further investigation or works.

Key issues discussed included parking problems on Gibbs Close, pedestrian safety concerns on A350 Trowbridge Road and Bratton Court Lane, and accessibility issues at Soisy Gardens. The LHFIG also reviewed speeding issues on Eden Vale Road and Combe Lane, and considered proposals for new signage and traffic calming measures.

Several items related to parking issues in Westbury and Dilton Marsh were discussed, with some being closed due to lack of evidence or ongoing monitoring. Concerns were also raised about speeding on Frogmore Road, Slag Lane, and Hawkeridge Road, with works orders issued for the installation of traffic calming measures.

The LHFIG also considered issues related to pedestrian safety on High Street in Dilton Marsh and Monastery Road, with ongoing discussions regarding potential infrastructure changes and funding. The installation of new street name plates and dropped kerbs at various locations was also approved.

Westbury White Horse Discussion

A discussion was held regarding the Westbury White Horse, the facilities available to visitors, and the responsibility for its maintenance.

Chairman's Updates and Action Plan Updates

The Chairman provided updates on matters requiring action from the board, and updates were given on the Action Plan, including progress on the Digital Inclusion Project and the Future Sound of Westbury initiative.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on future dates and the close of the meeting.