The Pewsey Area Board is scheduled to convene on Monday 2 November 2026, with a meeting pack that includes updates on community funding, local highways, and various partner organisations. The board will consider a range of funding applications for community projects, hear updates from local police and fire services, and discuss initiatives aimed at improving community resilience and financial wellbeing.

Funding Applications and Initiatives

The board is set to review several funding applications across different grant streams. These include applications for the Community Area Grant, Young People Grant, and Older and Vulnerable Grants. Among the specific applications are requests for a new overhead projector for the Pewsey Bouverie Hall, solar panels and a battery system for Great Bedwyn Village Hall, and funding for Age UK Wiltshire's Celebrating Age project.

Additionally, the board will consider funding for a basketball area surfacing project at Milton Lilbourne Parish Council and a practical skills toolkit for Our Free Minds CIO. An Area Board Initiative application for the Recharge Cafe in Great Bedwyn is also scheduled for discussion. The current financial position shows healthy balances across the grant streams, with proposed awards detailed in the report pack.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvements

The Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) has put forward several recommendations for consideration. These include closing specific issues such as the Easton Royal Surface Issue and Pewsey Phoenix Square Road Markings. The group also proposes allocating funding to issues not on the priority schemes list, such as Woodborough Railings, and adding new issues to the priority schemes list, including Manningford Direction signs to the village hall, a pedestrian in road sign for North Newnton, and village gates for Milton Lilbourne.

The report pack details numerous ongoing issues and new requests related to highway improvements across various parishes, including requests for speed limit reviews, new footways, crossing points, and village gates. The Pewsey Area Board is being asked to note the progress on these issues and to make decisions on funding allocations and the addition of new schemes to priority lists.

Community Resilience and Wellbeing

Several initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience and wellbeing are scheduled for discussion. The Wiltshire Council update on winter resilience and community emergency preparedness outlines a shift in approach, with the end of the Parish Emergency Assistance Scheme (PEAS) in March 2027, and increased investment in broader resilience measures. This includes funding for Local Highways and Footway Improvement Groups, Area Boards, the Crisis and Resilience Fund, and the rollout of Community-based Emergency Contact Hubs.

A new Community Wellbeing Fund, delivered through the Crowdfunder platform, is being launched to support local organisations in developing projects that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen preventative support. Each Area Board has been allocated up to £11,000 for this fund, with applications opening in October 2026.

Furthermore, the Locally Identified Infrastructure Projects Fund will support capital infrastructure projects addressing needs arising from growth and development. This fund, with an annual allocation of up to £250,000, will be brought forward by town and parish councils, with Area Boards providing local democratic input.

The Community Resilience Hubs and Supporting People to Build Financial Resilience 2026-2029 programme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Crisis and Resilience Fund, aims to help residents maximise household income, access advice, and improve financial skills. Each Area Board will have approximately £75,000 to invest in locally led solutions.

Partner Updates and Information Items

The meeting agenda includes a variety of written and verbal updates from partner organisations. These include an update from Community First detailing their work with youth action, outdoor education, and various community services. Alcoholics Anonymous will provide an update on their services across Wiltshire, with a focus on young people. Wessex Community Action will present its new brand identity and website, highlighting their support for charities and community groups.

The Faith Communities Network is developing, with new members and a focus on strengthening connections and building community resilience. Wiltshire Working Well will provide information on fully funded mental health training sessions for workplaces. Wiltshire Money is offering training for practitioners supporting residents experiencing financial hardship.

The Wiltshire Police Violence against Women and Girls Quarterly Report will detail progress in tackling domestic abuse, stalking, and serious sexual offences. The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will present a quarterly video update. A Road Safety update will also be provided, covering initiatives such as #FATAL5 education and community speed enforcement.

Other Items

The board will also receive updates on Action Plan progress and address any urgent items. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 June 2026 will be confirmed. Public participation is welcomed, with an opportunity for questions under the Ask Your Area Board item.